11 tips to dog-proof your car

We usually want our best friend to accompany us in any of our fun travels. Many pet owners enjoy driving around with their pets. But if you drive with your pet, it’s critical to dog-proof your car.

Use these tips to keep both your dog and your car safe.

Protect your dog

Car Hammock: Connects the back seat to the front seat headrests. As such, it provides some protective cover that keeps your back seat clean and safe from claw marks and rips. It also prevents your dog from climbing into your leg space while driving.

Pet Seat Cover: If you prefer having your dog ride with you in the front, you should consider having seat covers. The cover protects the front seat from your dog’s claws as well as dirt. The covers also are easy to remove if you decide to haul any non-canine passengers. For example, Wet Okole offers custom-fit seat covers in a variety of patterns. 

Seat Belt Harness: This is especially handy for rowdy dogs that keep moving around in the car. It’s not safe for both you and your dog when the dog is unsecured in the vehicle. In case the ride gets bumpy, the harness holds your dog safely in place.

Have a set spot for your dog: This ensures you will have a specific spot to protect and clean whenever your dog gets in your car. It’s also easy to harness your dog in the specified place. Your dog can develop some fondness to the special place which can reduce anxiety during travel.

Protect your car

Cargo Cover: These are very handy in protecting your trunk and the backbench. Some covers also offer protection to the back bumper from scratches as the dogs embark or disembark. These covers can also protect any delicate items you might carry at the same time.

Nail Caps: Dog claws are not retractable and can easily damage delicate fabrics and surfaces within the car. Protecting the surfaces entirely from the claws is a bit unrealistic and costly. Having the culprits covered safely is a very workable way around this challenge.

Cover the windows: You can protect your windows from saliva smudges as your dog tries to get its head outside. You can have clear wrapping paper on the windows to ensure quick cleaning as it’s as simple as getting the wrapper off and putting on another.

Easy in and out

Ramps: These ensure that small dogs can quickly get into the car on their own. Old dogs and those suffering from injury also can benefit.

Clean up the mess

Clean the car first: Thoroughly clean the vehicle before dog proofing. Before installing the cover and protectors, ensure that you have a presentable finish for your car. Also, check your trailer brake controllers for safety. Use pressure washers and vacuum driers to get all the dirt out; moreover, you can contact cleaning professionals.

Clean any accidents quickly: Immediately cleaning any spills ensures less staining as well as an easy, and quick clean. Using simple tricks like pouring some flour on any spillages makes the cleaning much faster and easier.

Cover up odor: You can use some chemicals like non-toxic oils and sweet scenting essences to keep the car smelling fresh. Select the antimicrobial ones to eliminate the chances of bacteria infesting your vehicle.

Dog-proof your car conclusions

If you’re fond of your dog, you likely enjoy driving with him. Taking time to dog-proof your car ensures both a safe ride for your pup and protection for your vehicle.

We also recommend you check with your car insurance company whether or not driving with your pet invalidates your policy. Better to be safe than sorry!

Lucas Cappel is a freelance writer, entrepreneur, and a car enthusiast. He spends a lot of time working on his project AutoExpertGuides.com, and he loves to share his articles with his blog readers.

*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 

Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right