14 packing essentials for road trips with your dog, according to experts

According to Wolko, you should never travel with your dog in a plastic crate that has been buckled in with a car seat belt because it can easily fracture in a crash. Instead, use a crash-test-certified crate to "give your pet the best possible chance of survival if a crash occurs." The Center for Pet Safety has tested several crates for their Center for Pet Safety certified list, including the Lucky Kennel by Lucky Duck, which received a five-star crash-test rating. Crating may also help to alleviate motion sickness in some dogs, according to Fraser.

Testing done by the Center for Pet Safety indicates that a crash-test certified travel harness is an effective way to keep a dog safe on a road trip, especially a dog that has never been crate trained or that suffers from confinement distress. Sleepypod's Clickit Sport Harness and Terrain Harness each earned a five-star rating. They attach to the seat belts in the back seat of a car through built-in loops.

If any portion of your road trip involves hiking, camping, or other explorations of the great outdoors, do yourself a favor and get a water-resistant seat cover to protect your car from moisture and dirt. This version from Orvis blankets the back seat and the backs of the front seats. A see-through mesh panel between the two front seats prevents your dog from feeling too isolated.

Just because a dog's mobility is limited doesn't mean they aren't an ideal road trip companion. Bring along a lightweight car ramp to make your travels with an older or disabled dog go more smoothly and save you from having to lift them in and out of the vehicle 20 times a day. In between stops, just fold up the ramp and slide it behind the seat for easy storage.

From foxtails to ticks, there are dozens of nasty surprises that await your dog on a road trip. Be prepared for the dangers in your path with a high-quality pet first-aid kit. Fraser also recommends downloading the American Red Cross's Pet First-Aid app to help you navigate minor injuries. If you're headed for a specific destination, she also suggests looking up a local emergency clinic before you arrive.

Even with the air conditioning on full blast, the interior of the car can heat up to uncomfortable levels when temperatures get extreme outside. Sunshades can help to minimize the greenhouse effect inside the car by blocking the heat out. Don't expect them to help when you've parked the car, though. Temperatures can skyrocket inside a parked car in just minutes. "Never leave your dog in the car, even with the windows down, and even for just a few minutes," said Fraser.

Heininger's portable water bowl, which has a reservoir that fills with water when laid flat, has lived in my car on and off for years. Leave it out while you drive — the well has been designed to minimize spillage — or stand it up to drain the well water back into the jug. The BPA-free device holds up to 3 quarts of liquid.

Keep your dog from getting restless on the road by occupying them with treat-dispensing puzzle toys. West Paw's Toppl can be stuffed with treats, spread with peanut butter, or sprayed with cheesy goodness. For smarty pants dogs, try combining a large Toppl with a small one to create a toy that's a bit more challenging.

If you're exhausted by the end of a day of driving, so is your dog. Whether you're staying in a hotel or camping overnight, pack something soft and cozy for your pup to cuddle up in. I always bring a soft, washable blanket along for the ride. Not only is a blanket easy to fit into an overstuffed trunk, it's ultra-portable and can double as a dog bed whenever needed.

If you plan on doing a lot of hiking or backpacking on your road trip, it's only fair that your dog should carry their share of the gear. Always limit your dog's load to no more than 25% of their body weight and make sure the pack fits properly before your adventure.

Whether you're on a nature walk or in a socially distanced beer garden, keep your dog hydrated with a combination water bottle and dog bowl. This version from Kong is made of insulated stainless steel that will keep liquids cool and refreshing all day long.

Even if your dog has an excellent recall, the allure of the new environments they'll be exploring on your road trip may prove more powerful than your cue. Bring along a 15- to 20-foot long line to give your dog some freedom while ensuring they remain out of trouble.

On the road, there may be hundreds of miles between you and the closest dog-washing station, but if your dog is living their best road trip life, chances are they'll need at least a little cleanup before your trip is over. Grooming wipes are an easy way to freshen up your dog's coat or remove debris from their paws or muzzle. If you've got a dog that loves to roll in stinky things, I can tell you from experience that you'll need something stronger to remove the stench. A waterless dog shampoo works a bit better and it never hurts to bring a bottle along for the ride.

To keep everyone safe when you leave your hotel room, you'll need a portable crate to set up inside your room. While most hotels don't require this, I've heard one too many horror stories about a hotel staff member who has been bitten after walking into a room with a canine guest. Choose something that collapses flat and has a handle for easy carrying. I like this Orvis's version, which also has two doors and plenty of ventilation and comes with a padded fleece mat.