Taking your dog on your next adventure? Lulu the crossbreed ridgeback and Gear Editor Matthew Sterne source items to ensure a smooth journey.
Wag World Car Seat Hammock
Protect your car from dog hair, sand, mud, and scratches with this one-size-fits-all (125 x 160cm) seat hammock, made with hardy waterproof canvas. It’s really just a big cushion that hooks over the front and backseat headrests with bungee cords. The enclosure it creates should ensure Lulu stays put during the journey. It folds into the size of a picnic blanket and even has a pocket for a pooch toy. R750 (double), yuppiepet.co.za
Outdoor and Adventure Harness
This harness is almost as soft as the bottom of a puppy’s paw. It’s simple to strap on, with two fastening points, and has an extremely strong and useful lifting handle. It’s available in four sizes and five colours, including coral pink, aqua blue and canary yellow. From R310, dogslife.co.za
Dog bandanas
These cute bandanas come in four sizes and 10 different styles. That’s like 40 different ways to dress your dog, or embarrass it – depending on whether there’s a matching hat involved or not. From R50, dogslife.co.za
Olly & Max Leaf Folding Travel Water Bottle
This is a water bowl and bottle in one. The food-grade silicone ‘leaf’ shape attached to the bottle can be flipped up to create a vessel when it’s drinking time (it remains attached). The bottle holds 600ml. R139, absolutepets.com
Mountain Paws Dog Harness
The best feature of this harness is the breathable, flexible foam panels that help to keep your furry friend cool and comfortable. Made of reflective fabric for added safety, it’s easy to adjust the fitting. The quick-grab handle at the top will help to hoist Lulu out of trouble when needed. From R569 traversegear.co.za
Reflective Supersoft Webbing Bungee Running Leash
This shock-absorbent leash has a belt that runners can attach to their waist or shoulder while on the move with pooch. The bungee absorbs the pull and the design frees up your hands. R390, dogslife.co.za
Window ventilation lattice
Handy for letting Lulu get wind in her hair, this lattice lets fresh air into the car while stopped or driving, but ensures she can’t escape out of the window. There are two sizes: the small extends to a width of 70cm; the large to 110cm. It can fit most vehicles except bakkie canopy or other non-standard windows. From R152, furballpet.co.za
UltraLite Bi-fold Pet Ramp
A ramp is the ideal tool to help dogs into the car, especially old arthritic ones. This one is a light 4,5kg, supports up to 90kg and reaches a height of 61cm – high enough for most car boots. Rubber feet stabilise it, the surface has good grip, and it also folds for easy storage. R2,330, furballpet.co.za
Houndabout Bicycle Trailer
You don’t ever have to leave Lulu at home with this nifty wagon. Designed for animals with joint problems, it’s also a safer option than riding with your dog on a leash. It has a wide wheelbase for stability, mesh-screen windows, a zippered rear door and even a sunroof. There are multiple pockets for storage and a universal bicycle hitch is included. It can carry pets up to 22,7kg in weight. R5,383, furballpet.co.za
Truelove Dog Life Jacket
Rest easy knowing your dog is safe on the boat or in the water with this life jacket. It’s suitable for boxers and bigger dogs and fits chests of 81–91cm and necks of 53–56cm. The sturdy handle, with a rubber grip, can be used to pluck Lulu out the water when it’s time to hoist anchor. R1,335, yuppiepet.co.za
Front-Seat Net pet barrier
If you’ve ever struggled to change gears while your pet goes haywire on your lap, then this is for you. The micro-mesh material maintains rear-view-mirror vision, while keeping the dog in the back. It’s designed to fit all vehicles with headrests. R739, furballpat.co.za
GiGwi Dinoball Edge
Your dog may have met its match with the Dinoball, which is made of puncture-resistant rubber. And the nylon straps with rubber handles give you something better to grip when you play canine-human tug-of-war. R99, absolutepets.com
Rogz Flying Object
This frisbee ticks all the boxes for a beach toy, so your hound has no excuse not to catch it on the go. It’s light, floats and flies well and is soft on the mouth. It’s made from a mix of bath-sponge and bubble-gum material, and is one-part car tyre so it’s fairly durable. R169, absolutepets.com
Ruffwear Singletrak Backpack
Want to go the extra mile on your next walkies? This backpack holds two 500ml bladders so your mutt can carry water for both of you. The customisable fit, foam-padded chest and belly straps allow your dog to move easily. It’s made from material that’s visible in low light so you can spot Lulu in the dark. R1 904, furballpet.co.za
Images: Getaway
