How to Dog-Proof Your Car for a Safe and Enjoyable Ride

Man’s best friend makes an excellent travel companion, but not all canines are equally prepared for the journey. Some have more energy that needs to be carefully managed during the trip, while others may not have had enough training yet. In both cases, you’re faced with a situation that could potentially turn your car into a disaster zone.

Luckily, you can still take your furry friend along for the ride with just a few adjustments to your vehicle. This will not only keep your car clean and safe but also ensure that you both have an enjoyable ride.

Get a Dog Car Seat Cover

Well, it’s pretty obvious that almost no one intends to spill anything inside their cars, and yet we still do. Whether it’s a can of soda, a cup of coffee, your on-the-go burger, or your child smearing chunks of chocolate cake across every square inch of your seat, all of these are a big risk for the interior of your car, your convenience, and your wallet.

Furthermore, it will be impossible to keep the seats and floor completely free of hair if you have a dog in the car. Rather than giving up, consider investing in durable and sturdy seat covers for dogs that will catch hair and make cleanup easier. Keeping a lint roller in the car console can also help you pick up hair bits that fall into the car between vacuuming sessions. 

If your interior is made of leather or vinyl, make sure your pup’s nails don’t scratch the seats or car doors. A seat cover will help, but you can also cover the leather or vinyl doors with plastic wrap while you’re out and about.

Most models come with adjustable straps that fit over the headrests and seatbelts to prevent your pet from sliding off or getting hurt during sudden stops. They also allow you to use the seatbelts when you need to secure your pup, so be sure to look for a cover that has them. This helps you keep your pet safe while also protecting your car from dirt, hair, and everything else.

Set up Some Barriers

Special seat covers for dogs are a good place to start, but your canine companion may require something a bit more security. While larger dogs are easier to confine, smaller dogs, who have a tendency to venture, can squeeze between seats and doors. 

With a little anxiety thrown in, you can quickly create a distracting and dangerous dog travel situation with a pooch either trying to jump in the driver’s lap or cuddling up on the floor at their feet. That’s why training and setting boundaries are crucial for everyone’s safety.

Protect the Windows

Those nose smudges and slobber marks on the windows are telltale signs of a dog in the car. Remove these by covering the window with clear plastic wrap before driving with your dog. It won’t obstruct your vision, and when you’re done, simply peel it off and throw it away, nose prints and all. Make sure to use a cleaning solution that is safe for tinted windows.

While it may appear cute to other passengers, Rover should not stick his head out an open window while driving. Flying debris can injure him, and if the window is left open far enough, he may be ejected from the vehicle.

Thoroughly Take Care of Accidents

Even if you take all the necessary precautions, an accident is unavoidable. Taking care of these as soon as possible will prevent stains from setting in, and it’s a good idea to keep a sprayer of high-quality leather or upholstery cleaner on hand to eliminate dirt. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle’s interior materials to ensure you’re using the right ones.

For more stubborn stains, mix some water and mild detergent in a spray bottle and go over the stain with a soft brush or cloth. Afterwards, wipe off any excess residue with a damp cloth. Don’t forget to keep extra towels in the car for wiping off paws and faces, as well as cleaning up any spills.

Mask the Odours

Consider using natural essential oils to keep your car smelling fresh; they don’t just mask odours, but they also eliminate them, and many of them are anti-microbial. The best way to protect your car’s interior is to plan ahead of time and avoid damage in the first place. 

If you’ve already had some issues, make sure you get rid of any unpleasant odours before you hit the road. If not, when driving they will resurface if you simply cover them up rather than eliminate them. You don’t have to resort to artificial scents – simply wiping down the interior with a damp cloth will help reduce odours.

Have a Designated Dog Seat

You should give your pooch a designated space, such as a spot on the back seat with a dog harness attached to the seat belt. This will keep him or her from moving around the car, making it easier to confine the area that needs to be “dog-proofed,” as well as safer for both of you. 

Many countries require pets to be restrained while in a moving vehicle, and dog crates or specially designed seat belt harnesses are widely available. Check the law to see if there are any restrictions on how your dog is transported before you hit the open road.

Keep Your Pup Hydrated

Canines require a good amount of water per day, and this amount only increases if they are agitated and panting. Throwing your dog in the car can be extremely stressful for them, especially if they know you’re going to the vet. Make sure you could provide hydration and healthy snacks for your dog’s well-being and as a way to lower their stress levels while they’re getting used to driving in a car with you.