Baby Health in Winter What to pack when traveling with your pet

Portable, eco-friendly, and easy to use, the Bissell Barkbath is great for keeping your pet clean during your travels and at home — just keep in mind that some dogs may not love the noise.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs
• Dimensions:
  8.2 x 17.2 x 12.5 inches
• Weight:
  16.4 lbs.

Perfect for chucking in the trunk during long road trips, the Bissell Barkbath is the ideal way to get your pet clean without having to waste a gallon of water and soap (keeping your car upholstery dry for the win). 


This portable fur cleaner allows you to spruce up your dog with little to no mess, and uses way less water than throwing your pup in the bathtub (yay, eco-friendliness). You won’t be sacrificing your pet’s cleanliness by any stretch of the imagination — the Barkbath gets deep into fur, picking out dirt and grime. It’s also got a dirty water basin, so you can easily dump out the nasty stuff when you’re finished.  


The one downside is that it isn’t necessarily a good choice for anxious animals — the sound that the machine emits is similar to a vacuum. So, if your pet is scared of vacuums, it might be a good idea to skip on this or invest in something like the Aquapaw instead. 


The whole system includes the Barkbath itself, the bath tool (with a storage bag), a microfiber sound-dampening mat, a cleaning cloth, and a bottle of no-rinse shampoo. 


Amazon reviewer NuDad Chris says:

“I have a 80+ pound Golden Retriever who normally goes to the groomer every 4-5 weeks. Because he needs his nails trimmed and feet hair cut I don’t expect this product will replace trips to the groomer but will definitely let me stretch out the time between appointments and save me money in the long run. It’s easy to set up and get ready to use -ready to go within minutes. The tanks are easy to fill and the shampoo smells good/clean. The spray gets right down to the skin and is immediately suctioned right back up into a separate tank. It’s amazing how dirty the water is even though he’s been to the groomer only a few weeks ago. Clean up is a breeze and any wet hair that is pulled out gets caught in the screen. When it’s over he’s definitely less wet than a full bath and the big bonus is I don’t have to clean a bathroom after using the Bark Bath. I can see using this product every couple weeks or for those emergency times when he rolls in something gross smelling outside. I would definitely recommend this to anyone with a medium to large dog that is comfortable with the noise level.”

The Overland Pet Tote comes equipped with plenty of space, and even a fold-out feeding station.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs, Cats
• Dimensions:
  15 x 14 x 7 inches
• Weight:
  3.15 lbs.

Ever wonder what the pet-sitter version of Mary Poppins might look like? Instead of a bottomless purse, we’d expect them to have something like the Overland Dog Tote — the perfect catch-all bag for high-maintenance animals. Although it’s advertised for dogs, we don’t see why this couldn’t be just as well-suited for a cat. 


The tote comes conveniently packed with a large pocket with a divider, a zipper-mesh compartment for extra storage, a collapsible bowl and placemat set, two lined carriers for food or treats, a water bottle pouch, and a luggage ID tag (yes, it meets most airline carry-on bag requirements). 


The bag makes traveling with a pet easy-breezy — its lightweight construction makes it simple to bring all your buddy’s essentials with you in one convenient storage solution. And don’t be turned off by the list price — this tote is often on sale.


One Chewy reviewer had this to say: 

“My dog comes everywhere with me and it can be anywhere from a weekend away to a full week away. I always used tote bags or small zip duffel bags and I’d have to pack all his food into Tupperware and bring a whole extra bag to carry it. I can fit all his food, some toys, vitamins, treats, water bottles, and his blanket in there! It’s nice and modern looking and [the] perfect size to take anywhere. We’ve used it on hikes and camping.”

Easily packed into any bag, the portable Kurgo Shed Sweeper is here to remedy your pet hair woes.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs, Cats
• Dimensions:
  0.8 x 1.6 x 1.5 inches
• Weight:
  6.4 ounces

Pet hair. It’s probably the biggest downside of being a pet parent. It gets everywhere, sticks to everything, and ruins otherwise cute outfits. Lint rollers can only do so much, people.


And that’s where Kurgo’s Shed Sweeper comes in — your one-stop-shop for ridding your belongings of pesky strands of fur. Just press it up against any surface and pick up any and all hair using a circular motion (for hard surfaces, you can use it like a broom with a sweeping technique). Unlike lint rollers, it doesn’t produce an endless stream of waste — the Shed Sweeper is totally reusable and you can clean it with just a bit of soap and water. Plus, it’s small enough that you can take it pretty much anywhere. 


There’s not much more to say than that. The Kurgo Shed Sweeper is a simple solution to pet-hair-related problems that you can take along with you on any trip — and it works. 


One Amazon reviewer named Tat said:

“The Kurgo Dog Shed Sweeper Hair Remover is an excellent product. I have owned many devices from handheld sweepers to sticky tape to help keep my house as hair-free as I can. It is somewhat of a challenge since I own 4 hairy dogs. Since I purchased the Kurgo Shed Sweeper it has made removing hair from bed covers to couches to dog beds much easier and more successful. The sweeper will allow you to sweep all the hair easily in one pile and then be picked up by hand or vacuum. I have actually purchased 3 more since my first so that I can have a Kurgo Sweeper in every corner of my house.”

The compact Labra first aid kit will allow you to treat your pet should any emergency arise while on hikes or other activities.

• Pet Type:
  Any
• Dimensions:
  7.5 x 6 x 2 inches
• Weight:
  6.7 ounces

It’s not a thought we want at the front of our minds, but our pets are just as at risk of injury as we are — and we need to be prepared for that situation, should it present itself. 


The Labra pet first aid kit is an essential that you should have on standby constantly (especially if your pet is joining you on a trip). The 28-piece kit includes a pair of scissors, tweezers, a pet brush, a pair of rubber gloves, a triangle bandage, a non-woven tape roll, a woven bandage roll, antiseptic cleaning wipes, alcohol wipes, cotton swabs, bandage pads, and adhesive strips. Basically, you have everything you need in case of an emergency, all kept in a compact and easy-to-pack case.


You’ll be able to treat cuts, scrapes, sprains, strains, and more with its wide variety of supplies — making it the perfect accessory to bring along on hikes and other activities. We just wish the interior design was a bit more thought out.


Amazon reviewer Steph says: 

“Great compact size, reasonable price, and has all the essentials. I have been looking for a first aid kit for my Dashund mix dog for a while but a lot of the ones I saw are either way too big or very expensive. I think this is the perfect first aid kit for dogs!!!!! Would definitely buy this again and I plan on recommending this to anyone who is looking for a compact first aid kit. Fits right in the glove compartment of my car if I ever take my dog with me for a long drive.”

With a bevy of size options, the premium Ruffwear Float Coat will allow you to bring your pup along on your water-based adventures.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs
• Dimensions:
  15 x 16.1 x 2.5 inches
• Weight:
  14.1 ounces

Some dogs are avid swimmers by nature — but others may need a little extra help, and Ruffwear’s buoyant (and decidedly cute) Float Coat may be the answer. 


The doggy life vest is the ultimate helper for canine water safety and flotation — enjoy a sunny moment at the beach or a day of boating out on the lake with less worry. The Float Coat is designed for pups of all shapes and sizes, too — it’s highly adjustable and can be made to fit snuggly on dogs both small and large (it can’t be changed horizontally, though, so weiner dogs are out of luck). 


The life jacket also has thoughtful details like a strap on the top to help lift your dog out of the water, and a reflective trim for enhanced visibility. Dogs that enjoy rafting, kayaking, boating, surfing, and paddleboarding should be able to join their humans — and the Ruffwear Float Coat allows them to do so. 


Reviewer Megan M. says: 

“I spend a lot of time at the river with my dogs. One of my dogs in particular is a great swimmer, but he gets a little too brave sometimes. I thought a life jacket would be a good idea. The first day I used his float coat, was the first day swimming too far into the rapid turned into a potentially dangerous situation. He couldn’t swim against the rapid, and the lifejacket helped keep him afloat until he could get to shore downstream. Very scary moment for me, but so thankful he had his float coat on!!!”

(Check out the rest of the reviews for painfully cute success stories and swimming puppy photoshoots.)

Not all pets can handle the rain, and that’s where the Lesypet umbrella comes in — it’s sturdy, adjustable, protective, and honestly just looks super cute.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs, Cats
• Dimensions:
  17.6 x 4.3 x 1.5 inches
• Weight:
  12.3 ounces

Now for the pets that do not like to get wet.


The Lesypet umbrella may look a bit silly at first glance, but it looks way less silly than you trying to use your own umbrella to cover both you and your pet at the same time (don’t be embarrassed, we fail miserably at it, too). Protect your animal from all sorts of precipitation with effortless control thanks to the umbrella’s unique, adjustable handle — it can be made longer and shorter, and you can angle it in different positions. The C-shaped handle on the end is not only comfortable and keeps you in command, but it also acts as a convenient hook for waste bags, treats, and whatever else you want to hang on it. Plus, just look at it. Have you ever seen anything so adorable? We haven’t. 


Amazon reviewer Gina Wischmeyer was also satisfied with their purchase — they said: 

This is an amazing product that has been a real life-saver this rainy spring. My dog will actually now go out in the rain. The tilting feature prompted me to buy this particular product over the other dog umbrellas. It makes it so much easier when walking with your pet. One word of caution though: When you open the umbrella, when you want to tilt the handle a bit, be sure to grasp the handle close to the tilting mechanism. The first time I tried this, the handle broke. But customer service was excellent, and I quickly received a replacement in the mail.

Protect your pupper’s paws from hot and rocky surfaces with these boots — they make hikes and other activities possible for your pup.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs
• Dimensions:
  1.5 x 2 x 3.9 inches
• Weight:
  4 ounces

Dog shoes. Yes, they serve an important purpose — and these from Ruffwear allow pups to go explore the great outdoors with their humans without hurting their little paws.


If you like bringing your dog along on your high-octane adventures, these need to be a part of your repertoire. The Grip Trex dog boots slip on your pet’s paws easily, staying secure all throughout the day, and their rugged and resistant Vibram outsole provides good traction on almost any type of terrain. They have a breathable mesh upper that also keeps dirt and debris from entering, a reflective trim so you can spot them more easily, and they’re also just really stylish — like, have you ever seen a dog in athleisure wear? Now you can.


Ruffwear reviewer Anderson says: 

Absolutely love these shoes! They’ve made adventuring so much more enjoyable! My boy used to destroy his paws to the point we stopped activity. These shoes changed it all! He’s warmed up to them quickly and we were able to get back out again!

Take the hassle out of your cat’s bathroom breaks while on the road with this portable litter box that you can store and expand almost anywhere (plus, it’s simple to clean).

• Pet Type:
  Cats
• Dimensions:
  15 x 11 x 5.1 inches
• Weight:
  1.17 lbs.

Okay, we’ve gone over a lot of dog-exclusive stuff — this is one is for the cats out there. We see you, cats. 


Cats need to relieve themselves too, and this portable litter box will allow them to do that just about anywhere (and when we say anywhere, we mean in the box, not on your lap). Always be prepared for potty breaks with the Necoichi tray, which can be folded up and put away just as easily as it can be set up. The seamless and durable waterproof liner makes for easy cleaning, and ultimately keeps waste from getting out (no pee leaks, thank you very much). It totally takes the second-guessing out of taking your feline partner in crime with you on your extended stays out of town. 


Chewy reviewer Livia says: 

I have to drive across country with my cat once in a while, and figuring out a litter box situation is always a drag. It’s always awkward carrying a pan into the hotel with all your other bags and a cat carrier, especially when you’re tired. I haven’t used the Necoichi portable cat litter box on the road yet, but I can tell it’s going to be great. It folds up flat and has a snap to keep it closed. The interior is a nice slick vinyl that should clean well, but I’ll still use some kind of plastic bag liner to make clean-up easier. Pretty stoked about this find.

Both trendy and functional, the Lemonda pet backpack will let your pet see the world with you and keep them comfortable all the while.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs, Cats
• Dimensions:
  12.6 x 11.4 x 16.5 inches
• Weight:
  2.4 lbs.

You may have already seen a fellow pet parent walking around with one of these things, and to them we say: Smart choice!


The Lemonda pet backpack is a stylish and protective travel carrier for both cats and small dogs. It has a neat space capsule design and a hard outer shell to keep your pet safe, but still manages to be lightweight. It also has a transparent, spherical window on the back so your friend can take in the view at all times — and don’t worry, there are plenty of breathing holes so they can get a continuous stream of oxygen and cool air. The back half of the bag is constructed from breathable canvas that provides comfort to both you and your animal, and the main compartment has a built-in lock that will prevent them from getting out while you’re in transit. 


Amazon reviewer Michelle R. had this to say:

This backpack is wonderful for certain cats. My cat loves it because she can go outside without having to be out in the open (and “vulnerable”). During the winter, I can put a little blanket in there to keep her extra cozy. She has enough space in the bag to turn around, sit, or stand. She can’t quite curl up into a ball in the bag, but she can get close. I like this backpack because it’s very cute; I get tons of comments on it when I use it. It’s also easy to carry and pretty light. Using this I can free up my hands without putting a cat carrying on the ground. It’s breathable (even with the “bubble” insert on the front), and it won’t get crushed like my soft-sided cat carrier.

Get all the information you need on your pet with the Whistle 3 tracker, including health tracking and location services in one durable device.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs, Cats
• Dimensions:
  1.8 x 1.4 x 0.6 inches
• Weight:
  27.2 grams

Keeping track of your pet is always important, especially when you’re far from home. The Whistle 3 pet tracker lets you do that and then some.


The Whistle 3 attaches right to your pet’s collar and pairs seamlessly with the Whistle companion app. Once you get it set up, you’ll be able to receive information about your pet’s location, their sleep activity, and quick recaps of their day. You’ll also be able to specify designated “safe places” where your pet happens to spend most of their time — if they wander outside of its boundaries, you’ll be notified by the app immediately. It’s also durable, waterproof, and has a battery life of up to seven days. 


The Whistle 3’s capabilities are especially handy while you travel with your animal buddy — if for some reason they happen to get away from you, you’ll be able to track them down with ease every time (provided you have cell signal). 


Amazon reviewer Debbie W.  says: 

This is absolutely the best GPS product for my dogs I have used so far! I live in the country where WiFi is poor, but my whistle works great! I am amazed at the battery life. Before I had to recharge the devices every three days, with this whistle the battery drops less than 5% a day! Amazing. I love watching my dogs reach the goals I’ve set for them as well as seeing how many miles they have run each day and where they go in our yard (we live on an acreage). Best thing by far is being alerted when they get out of our yard able to track them. Very accurate GPS. We will always own a Whistle.

Older pets and animals suffering from arthritis and other medical issues will benefit from the help that the Kurgo pet ramp gives, and you’ll benefit from its portability.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs, Cats
• Dimensions:
  62 x 15.5 x 4 inches
• Weight:
  12 lbs.

It’s sad, but true: Our pets eventually get old, just like we do. 


While we can’t change that fact, what we can do is provide our senior pets with a comfortable environment that still allows them to play and enjoy as much of life as they possibly can. The Kurgo pet ramp is a product that can solve at least one problem for older animals — that problem being getting in and out of the car. 


Avid road trippers who enjoy bringing their furry companions along for the ride will appreciate the Kurgo ramp’s lightweight, foldable construction, yet durable design. It props up easily, leading from your car to the ground and allowing your pet to trot down at their own pace. It also has a non-slip surface, so it’ll give your pet the grip it needs even in inclement weather situations. It’s recommended for pets suffering from old age, arthritis and hip dysplasia, but can also be a nice addition for those looking to help preserve their pet’s health for as long as possible. 


One Amazon reviewer named Charles and his dog had a good experience with the Kurgo pet ramp, saying: 

Took my dog less than 3 minutes, with the help of a few treats, to learn to walk up and down the ramp. He is a big boy (93 lbs.) lab/pit mix. Ramp is sturdy and has plenty of grip for him to walk up and down. I have a Jeep Rubicon 4 door (not lifted yet) and no issues. Ramp is sturdy and not too heavy. Folds nice. Sure beats lifting his back end into the jeep. Very happy so far!!!

Free your pet’s paws from nasty dirt and debris with the Dexas MudBuster — it’s easy to use and even easier to store in your bag.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs
• Dimensions:
  5 x 5.1 x 8.8 inches
• Weight:
  5.8 ounces

Muddy paws are no good. Especially when those muddy paws leave their rendition of a Jackson Pollock painting on your furniture, car seats, pant legs, etcetera. That’s why you have to keep those babies polished and free of dirt at all times — plus, it’s more hygienic and healthy for your dog to be squeaky clean. 


The Dexas MudBuster paw cleaner is a cost-effective and portable answer to muddy puppy feet. To use it, just add a bit of water to the cup, insert the included silicone cleaning device, insert a paw, and twist! Once you dab them dry, your dog’s paws should be nice and spotless (just like all the stuff they’ll jump on right after). The gentle MudBuster bristles will have removed all the debris and grime, keeping it stored in the bottom of the reservoir for a hassle-free cleanup. It’s small enough to chuck in any bag, purse, or tote, so take it with you wherever and keep your pupper cleansed of all those nasty bits no matter where in the world you are.


Amazon reviewer Rachel loved the Dexas MudBuster — here’s what they said:

Best. Thing. Ever. This product works like a charm. It gets the sand from between their paws, and is gentle enough that even my most stubborn pup tolerates it! I have a terrier/schnauzer that likes to dig, a mini golden doodle that is prissy about her paws and a standard labradoodle puppy that is still very fuzzy. We have a farm where it is extremely sandy and we stay in a travel trailer. The amount of sand they were tracking in to the camper was driving me CRAZY. It takes me three minutes to clean and dry off all of their paws. Seriously the best purchase I have made!  

Help quell your pet’s stress with the ThunderShirt — it gently applies pressure to your cat or dog (similar to swaddling a baby), and is easy to travel with.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs, Cats
• Dimensions:
  9.9 x 6.6 x 2.2 inches
• Weight:
  8 ounces

Just like humans, animals can experience anxiety, too — it’s a stressful world out there for everyone and everything, OK?


If your pet regularly gets shaky in situations outside of your home, the ThunderShirt may help calm them down just a little bit, and make it easier to take them along with you on your travels. Like swaddling a baby, the ThunderShirt gently applies pressure to your pet to remedy symptoms of anxiety, nervousness, fear, and even overexcitement. It’ll fit comfortably on your dog or cat via its Velcro-based design, and is a breeze to remove and store in your travel bag. No training needed, and totally natural. 


Reviewer Kelly says:

I ordered your ThunderShirt for my Italian Greyhound foster Colin – he has huge separation anxiety issues. From the moment I got it on him, the change was amazing! He was content, even to the point of just laying on the doggie bed. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I have to admit, I had my doubts that a shirt could make a difference – but with what I witnessed last evening and this AM when I left for work – wow. Amazed, agog, incredulous all come to mind. I am a believer! 

A six-in-one grooming tool that can do everything from removing ticks, to filing nails, to opening beer — that’s a win in our opinion.

• Pet Type:
  Dogs, Cats
• Dimensions:
  3.4 x 2.1 x 0 inches
• Weight:
  0.5 ounces

Real talk: If you get to stay clean and looking sharp for your vacation Instagram stories, so should your pet. You need to keep ’em groomed and gorgeous at all times. 


And you can do that without having to lug around some sort of pet groomer station on your back — this wallet-sized grooming tool from Kuro is a one-stop-shop for combing out fur, filing nails, and searching for sneaky ticks (very important for wilderness trips). It’s also a screwdriver, box opener, and bottle opener, because why not? 


The TSA-compliant, stainless steel grooming gadget is only half an ounce, but relatively sturdy and packable for use when and where you need it. Get your pet looking handsome as ever, then crack open a beer without having to switch tools (just don’t let your pet get into your beverage). 


One reviewer on the Kurgo website had this to say about their handy grooming gadget:

I bought this item about three months ago and I was happy with it. I mean tick season started, and once I saw a tick on my dog, I took out the K9 gadget and combed off the tick quick. Shedding dog? Use this comb and you won’t be disappointed. And it fits in your wallet too!

Although a bit small, the Kurgo tailgate dumpster will keep your pet’s waste where it should be (and the odor, too).

• Pet Type:
  Dogs, Cats
• Dimensions:
  7.5 x 5.4 x 2.7 inches
• Weight:
  7.8 ounces

The non-glamorous part of having a pet that we’ll never be able to change: They poop. A lot. Everywhere. And you have to pick it up. With your hands. Yikes. 


That’s why you’d benefit heavily from having a receptacle near you at all times, though that isn’t easy when you’re venturing out in the great outdoors (you could just not pick up after your pet, but we promise you’re going to step in it later — and maybe get a citation). But, you can say goodbye to your pet-poo troubles with the Kurgo tailgate dumpster.


Attachable to the back of your vehicle via heavy-duty magnets, the tailgate dumpster keeps your pet’s waste outside of your car and off of the ground — a win-win, we say. Just store some waste bags in the container, and deposit the full ones when nature calls. It’s made of 100% silicone, so it’s easily cleanable with water in case of… leakage. Don’t worry, it keeps odors contained and away from your nose, and the secure lid stops any surprises from flying out during more bumpy rides.


Amazon reviewer KG says:

I wish I got this sooner! Being a responsible pet owner means picking up after your pet. But if there isn’t a trash receptacle available, the “package” would end up in the back of the car with us. No more! I expected the magnets to feel stronger, but they worked fine. Highly recommended if you travel with your pet.