Having been on a treasure hunt at the Superzoo 2015 pet industry trade show, I now have a new list of Pet Travel Mutt-Haves! Let me know which of these 12 grab your attention and when Bodie and I hit the road in September, we’ll give them a test run…

1. SLEEPYPOD CAR HARNESS

Watching the Sleepypod crash test video featuring this very dog dummy I felt extremely remiss in terms of protecting Bodie while driving. The Clickit Sport Car Harness is a seriously substantial product with a padded harness and back loops through which you thread the car seatbelt. Obviously I still want Bodie to be comfortable on long journeys so I am looking forward to finding out how he adjusts to this more secure arrangement.

2. COOL PET PAD

The Green Pet Shop had a Chill Out chair at the show – a regular chair with a Cool Pad on the seat. Setting aside the long-haired Chihuahua basking in the cool blue oasis, I got to test it for myself – within seconds my bottom felt pleasantly cool. Sold! I’m ordering one for myself for Hot Drive Days, but will Bodie be equally smitten?

3. ALCOTT COLLAR CHARM

I am indeed charmed by this design. I love the glossy lacquered finish and the neat silver font spelling out four cute descriptors: Doggy Paddler, Trail Wagger, Thrill Sniffer and the Bodie-apt Globe Trotter, in this lovely amber hue:

4. KURGO MUD DOG TRAVEL SHOWER

I think this is such a nifty idea – screw the green silicone ‘shower cap’ on to an empty soda bottle filled with water and you can create an impromptu shower after a muddy walk or sandy beach romp and have your dog all spruced before you return to the hotel! But does it really work? I want to find out if it’s a weedy trickle or you can actually create a decent flow.

5. RELIQ SHAMPOO SACHETS

In my post on what to pack in The Dog Suitcase I talk about decanting shampoo into travel-size bottles (which inevitably incurs a wasteful splurge) and then I discovered Reliq offer generous sample sachets of shampoo for traveling. Depending on the size of your dog and length of his/her hair/fur you can get multiple clean-ups. But what about the quality of the product within the pouch?

6. PAWPLUNGER

This may look like one of the ingenious creations on Shark Tank but I’m dying to see if the combo of soapy water and bristly interior really does produce pristine paws – not least because Bodie is soon to visit my mum’s house and she has CREAM CARPET!

7. EARTHBATH GROOMING WIPES

Definitely handy to have a portable between-shampoos grooming alternative on the road. Especially when the wipes come in a Mango Tango scent. I’m also keen to try the nifty pack of earthbath Eye Wipes – Bodie often has dark tear streaks and much as I’m happy to wipe away the gloop with my thumb, I think it would be an altogether gentler and more hygenic experience with a little aloe vera-infused cloth.

8. MESSY MUTTS TRAVEL TOWEL

I love that dog towels are now coming with pockets – so you can really give your pup a good ole rub down. Of course traditional towels are rather too cumbersome for travel so I’m eager to try this slim microfiber number – it can hold up to 7 times its weight in water and folds away into a neat pouch! But does it dry the dog?

9. TALL TAILS DOG BLANKET

From the practical towel, we come to the luxe blanket. This was love at first touch for me. I may have been in a florescent-lit booth in a Las Vegas convention center but when my fingertips met the deep fleecy softness I was transported to a flagstone fireplace in an idyllic mountain cabin… But will Bodie appreciate the quality?

10. DOG FOR DOG DOGSBUTTER

For every item you purchase DOG FOR DOG will donate a matching one to a dog in need. Which is already a good enough reason to buy their Dogsbutter but then you learn it has had the sugar and salt removed so its a far healthier choice for your pup. They even offer an Immunity & Digestion option with ginger. Peanut Butter is a road trip essential for Bodie, so this we have to try…

11. WOBBLE BALL PUZZLE

I find that engaging Bodie in a fun game as soon as we enter a new hotel room is a great way to get him to relax and sometimes squeaky toys and sticky peanut butter just aren’t appropriate (consider the noise or mess factor) so I’m keen to experience this intriguing dog treat dispenser from the team at P.L.A.Y (Pet Lifestyle & You). Even the color options sound appealing – Pumpkin, Sea Foam and Lime…

12. LEANLIX LICKABLE TREAT

I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this product when I first saw it, possibly because it resembled one of those clear deodorant sticks or a giant lipbalm. But then I realized the fantastic potential for this low calorie treat alternative, especially when it comes to incentivizing Bodie to pose for photographs… But do I opt for Bark-B-Q or Himalayan Cheese?