As adorable as they are, pets don’t always make for a perfect driving companion. It can be a joy, but dealing with pet hair and mess isn’t fun. Even if trained, pets can leave dirt, hair and even odour for days. That’s why it’s important to protect your car’s interior from your pets so that every trip or every ride can be as fun for you as it is for furry friends. This guide will help you find some super easy tips to pet-proof your car and keep the interior intact so that you can relax and enjoy the journey.
Seat Covers
It’s important to protect your original seat covers from stains, scratches and hair with dog seat covers, plastic or fabric. You can do that by putting a blanket on top of the seats, but they can slip if not secured, so it’s recommended that you get seat covers because their specific purpose is to stay in place and protect the car seat.
Do dog car seat covers work? Yes, these efficient car pet protectors are made to make your life easier, especially if you choose ones that are water-proof and stain-resistant. It’s very important to pick designs that are machine-washed and air-dried to make your cleaning easier. There are many types of car seats you can choose that fit your needs and your pet’s needs. Some are plush and warm for colder days, and some even have built-in pockets where you can store your dog’s snacks for the road.
Dog Beds
Another great way to protect your seats and make the ride more comfortable for your dog is to get a dog bed. Some dog beds have extensions and need a headrest to be installed properly, meaning they protect the whole seat, not just the lower part. These dog beds contain loose hair within the bed and save you the trouble of cleaning the whole back seat. It’s recommended that you get a bed that is suitable for your pet’s size, but ensure that they have enough space to stretch and be comfortable. Look for beds with removable covers that can be washed in the machine so that you can clean them easily.
Hammocks
Hammocks are great car pet protectors as they can be secured between the front and backseats of your vehicle, preventing your dog from jumping in the front seat and getting hairs all over. They also prevent the hairs from falling on the floor of the car, so you won’t have to clean your mats as often as you would without a hammock.
Look for hammocks that are water-proof and stain-resistant to make sure they can stand up to mud splashes. If you’re up for more functionality, look for designs that also come with built-in pockets. With the needed storage space, you can easily organise your dog’s collar, some snacks, and even toys to keep it entertained during the ride.
Cargo Liners
More frequently, dogs are in the back of the car if you have a larger car, but that doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be any type of car protector. These liners prevent the back of the car from getting dirty and full of hair. Find ones that attach to the backseat rather than just the ones like a mat, because that way you’re gonna also protect the back of the backseat.
They should be waterproof and with built-in bumper flaps so that you can protect your car from scratches too that are bound to happen when your pet enters or exits the car. They should also be made of non-slip material to make sure that your puppy is safe during the ride.
Materials Matter
There are many things you need to take into consideration when buying any type of car dog seat covers or other types of car protectors. First and foremost, you need to think of your pet and choose fabrics that are pet-friendly, such as nylon and canvas, because not only are they pre-friendly but they are also durable and won’t get damaged quickly. Also, choose fabrics that are easy to clean, and those that won’t let the hair stick to them so that you’re gonna have to scrub them to get the hair off.
So Does Regular Grooming
Grooming your pet has a lot of benefits to its health and well-being, but it’s also a way to minimise shedding. Brushing its coat helps to remove loose fur and it reduces the amount of hair your pet leaves behind in your car, whereas clipping its nails is going to significantly decrease the scratches on your car. Regular baths can also manage shedding and keep your puppy’s fur in optimal condition. If your furry friend is a heavy shedder, which can happen with some breeds, consider professional grooming sessions along with your regular grooming at home to keep the coat clean and healthy.
And Regular Cleaning
Let’s be honest, no matter how hard we try to prevent the car from getting dirty, it’s still going to, even if there weren’t pets involved. So, cleaning your car regularly is not something that you can avoid. You can vacuum your car often, and it’s recommended that you get a vacuum with specialised attachments to remove pet hairs from carpets, seats, and other surfaces.
You can also get some pet-friendly air fresheners to eliminate the odours because, no matter how clean your dog is, your car is still going to have a little bit of smell. And wash the seat covers, hammocks, dog beds or whatever car pet protectors you have regularly, to prevent bacteria build-up. Trips with your dogs can sometimes get messy. From hairs all over, to dust and dirt, and many types of liquids, it can sometimes be overwhelming.
But, if you prepare yourself by protecting your car with different methods we already covered, the trips can be much more relaxing and stress-free. Your car won’t be completely mess-free, but it will save you the trouble of cleaning every centimetre of it each time you take your pet with you. So, embrace these tips and make the trip enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
