If you live near open fields and the countryside or have lots of private ground for your pet to run around in you won't need to travel to give your dog opportunity to get plenty of excerise out in the open air. If there is a dog friendly park nearby within walking distance you need only pop on a lead but for some dog owners living in a city or busy town centre the only option is to travel by car.

It is important that your dog is safe and comfortable during any length of car journey. This is a list of car accessories for dogs

Dog Safety

Dog travel crates or cages specially adapted for cars not only makes your car journey safer for you but also for your dog, it also helps the dog feel more secure. Think how frightened your dog might be looking through the window of a moving car with everything whizzing past!

It could be there is no room for a travel cage or that maybe your dog is taken out in more than one car, in which case a dog harness with seat belt adaptor is a good alternative. This is a highly recommended multi purpose accessory for your dog!

Word of advice: In case you are thinking these aren't necessary, imagine you are involved in a car accident. If unsecured, your frightened dog could easily jump out of a car and run right onto a busy road.

Dog Comfort

A car boot isn't designed to be comfortable so if your pet has to travel in the car a dog bed is much nicer to lie down on.

It is also a good idea to keep a dog blanket in your car especially if you are planning a long journey in the colder months. (Keep a blanket for yourself too in case of break downs!)

Food and Water

Your dog will get hungry and thirsty during a long car journey and will certainly need to quench his or her thirst after a long run. It is essental to keep water handy and for the bowl, consider disposable or re-usable material travel bowls that fold up neatly instead of the standard bowls that are bulky and take up more space.

Tip: Your car engine might need water too! Keep a supply of water in your car for both dog and car engine especially during the hotter months. Large plastic milk or juice bottles are ideal for this. You can re-fill at a fresh water river or stream if out in the countryside.

Shade from the sun

Drivers and human passengers have visors to protect them from the glare of the sun so don't forget your dog and fit a car window shade where appropriate.

Handy hint: Families with small children may already have car window shades which as perfect for pets too!

Dog Ramps

A dog car ramp can be a godsend! Smaller dogs can easily be lifted into bigger cars but what if you have an older heavier dog that can't jump up or have been on a particularly muddy trip out? There are several dog ramps that you can buy which fold away neatly when not in use.

Pet First Aid

As exciting as running in the countryside can be for your dog, there can also hazards including barbed wire, broken glass and sharp sticks. If your dog is unfortunate to obtain a nasty cut when you are out in the middle of nowhere, first aid can be vital. Dog first aid kits often come complete with gauzes, wipes and bandages and fit in most glove compartments.

For more dog and pet products please visit swellpets.co.uk