Travelling is a time for experiencing a different environment, adventure, and relaxation—and there’s no better way to enjoy it all than by bringing your dog along for the journey. Whether you’re heading to the beach, holiday home, or exploring the countryside, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure your furry friend is comfortable and safe. To help you out, we’ve gathered some top tips to make travelling with your dog stress-free, featuring essential products from smith&burton that are perfect for your travel adventures.

1. Planning for the Journey with your Dog

Before you hit the road, make sure your dog is well-prepared for the trip. Just like you’d plan for yourself, take time to organise everything your dog needs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Acclimate your dog to car travel: If your dog isn’t used to long car rides, start with shorter trips to help them adjust. Dogs that are familiar with car journeys will feel more relaxed on longer trips.

Choose dog-friendly destinations: When planning your holiday, check that your accommodation, campsites, or holiday homes welcome dogs. Research nearby dog-friendly parks, beaches, and walking tracks.

Schedule vet check-ups: It’s a good idea to visit your vet for a check-up before the trip. Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, especially if you’re heading to areas with ticks or sandflies. It's also advisable to make copies of vet records and know where the local vet is.

2. Packing Essentials for Your Dog’s Holiday Bag

Your dog will need their own holiday bag packed with all the essentials to keep them happy and comfortable. Here’s a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything:

Food and treats: Pack enough of your dog’s regular food for the trip, plus some treats for the journey or as rewards for good behaviour. Make sure to bring a secure, airtight container to keep the food fresh.

Collapsible bowls: These are perfect for travel and take up minimal space. Don’t forget both food and water bowls!

Bedding and towels: Bring along your dog’s bed or blanket from home to help them feel secure. A couple of dog towels are handy for cleaning up after swims or muddy walks.

smith&burton PURIFYING CLEANSING WIPES: These travel-sized wipes are perfect for quick clean-ups after a romp at the beach or a roll in the dirt. Gentle on your dog’s skin, they’re a must-have in your holiday bag.

smith&burton WATERLESS FOAM SHAMPOO: When you’re away from home and bathing isn’t convenient, our waterless foam shampoo is ideal for keeping your dog fresh and clean without the need for water. It’s easy to use, and a lifesaver after a day of adventuring.

smith&burton SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER in our handy travel size: If you do have the chance to give your dog a full wash, our 250ml-sized shampoo and conditioner are perfect for travel. You never know what your dog might get up to during holiday adventures, so it’s great to be prepared.

smith&burton HEAL & PROTECT SOOTHE BALM: Summer heat can be tough on your dog’s paws and nose, especially on hot sand, asphalt, or sharp rocks. Our balm moisturises and protects their paw pads and noses, and is perfect for soothing any cuts or abrasions they may pick up along the way.

Dog lead, harness, and identification tag: Make sure to pack a sturdy lead and harness for walks. A collar with an ID tag that has your contact details is essential in case your dog gets lost.

Toys and chews: Bring along a few of your dog’s favourite toys to keep them entertained during downtime. Chews are great for keeping them occupied on longer car rides.

Poop bags: Make sure to pack a good supply of these so you can clean up wherever you may stop on your journey.

 

3. Staying Safe in the Car with your Dog

Car safety is essential when travelling with your dog. Whether it’s a short drive or a cross-country journey, your dog needs to be secured and comfortable for the ride.

Secure your dog with a harness or crate: Use a pet harness that attaches to a seatbelt or a well-ventilated crate to keep your dog safe. This reduces distractions for the driver and keeps your dog protected in case of sudden stops.

Take regular breaks: For long car journeys, stop every couple of hours to let your dog stretch their legs, have a toilet break, and drink some water. This helps prevent restlessness and ensures your dog stays hydrated in the summer heat.

Never leave your dog unattended in a hot car: The inside of a car can heat up rapidly, even with windows cracked. Leaving your dog in a hot car, even for a few minutes, can be dangerous and lead to heatstroke. If you need to take a break, bring your dog out of the car with you or park in the shade and make sure they have plenty of ventilation.

Keep your dog cool: If your dog is panting or seems uncomfortable, offer water frequently and ensure there’s proper ventilation in the car. You can use a portable fan or open windows (without letting your dog hang their head out) to maintain airflow.

 

4. Protecting Your Dog from Summer Heat

Summer in New Zealand can get hot, and it’s important to keep your dog safe from the sun and heat. Dogs can overheat quickly, so here’s how to keep them cool during your holiday:

Provide plenty of water: Always carry fresh water for your dog, especially during outdoor activities. Collapsible water bowls are great for giving them a quick drink on hikes or beach walks.

Seek shade: Make sure your dog has access to a shaded area, whether at the beach, park, or while resting. This helps them avoid overheating and sunburn.

Protect their paws: Sand, asphalt, and other surfaces can get scorching in the sun, potentially burning your dog’s paw pads. Walk them during cooler parts of the day or on grass when possible. Applying smith&burton HEAL & PROTECT SOOTHE BALM to their paws helps protect them from the heat and moisturises any dry or cracked areas.

5. First-Aid and Medical Care for your Dog

It’s always smart to be prepared for any minor injuries your dog might encounter while on holiday. Pack a dog-specific first-aid kit that includes:

• Antiseptic wipes and spray
• Bandages and gauze
• Tweezers for removing splinters or ticks
• Paw balm for cuts and dry areas (smith&burton HEAL & PROTECT SOOTHE BALM is perfect for this)
• Having a first-aid kit on hand will give you peace of mind, especially if you’re exploring more rugged terrain.

Travelling with your dog can be an incredible experience with the right preparation. By packing essentials like food, bedding, and smith&burton’s travel-friendly products, and following these safety tips for the journey, you and your dog can enjoy the fun and adventure of travelling together.

 

We invite you to explore our premium grooming products at smithandburton.com 

 

Shop the products from our travel tips here: Shampoo & Conditioner Duo Sets, Heal & Protect Soothe Balm, Purifying Cleansing Wipes, Waterless Foam Shampoos