How to Protect Your Car From Dogs
I have to put the dog in the car almost every day. Between kindergarten, trips to the park, and occasional errands, he travels a lot. He’s not the biggest fan of driving – and I’m not a huge fan of his fur, which sticks to everything – so we had to put in some effort to make the car more comfortable for all of us.
Follow these steps to turn your car into a safe and fun place for your dog.
Close your seats and windows
Dogs wreak havoc on both leather and fabric car seats. They spill, drool, scratch and swarm in the mud. They can even pee inside (God forbid!). Seat covers can help minimize damage and can be easily shaken out or vacuumed as needed.
We prefer a hammock cover ( something like this ) for our back seat because it protects both the seats and the floor, but you can find different shapes and materials, or just use an old blanket or towel.
If your dog likes to snuggle up against your windows and leave stains behind, you can cover them (and any leather or vinyl trim) with plastic wrap and simply remove it after the ride.
Some clutter is probably inevitable when you bring your dog with you, but you can mitigate some with the right tools.
Buck them up
Walking back and forth or jumping from place to place while driving is not only distracting, but dangerous for both of you. Some states actually require dogs to be kept in moving vehicles.
Even if your dog gets cold while driving, buy a harness through which you can thread a seat belt, a cord that attaches to the buckle, or a universal hook that attaches to their harness. This will prevent them from landing on your knees, jumping out of the window in pursuit of a squirrel, or, in the event of an accident, not being thrown over your car.
Another option is to lock the dog on the floor between the seats, place it in a carrier or extra seat, or use a box attached to the rear of the vehicle.
Stock up on a stool or ramp
If your dog is elderly, injured, or has difficulty jumping into the car, keep a step or retractable ramp in the trunk. This saves you the hassle of picking them up and putting them in.
If you are using a ramp, choose one that is long enough to create an easy corner and strong enough not to rattle or wobble when your dog walks over it.
Make a dog grooming kit
Fill a basket or plastic basket with items you may need while walking your dog. This could include:
- Collapsible bowl and full water jug
- Heals
- Poop bags
- Additional leash
- Collar or harness light
- First aid supplies
- Towels (one for cleaning dirt, one for drying wet fur)
- Wet wipes for dirty paws
- Pet Deodorant Spray
- Lint roller (for heavy yawners)
We also store extra tennis balls and frisbees in the car for trips to the park.
And of course, never leave your puppy alone in the car – especially in warm weather. Indoor temperatures can significantly exceed the ambient temperature in minutes, even if the windows are broken. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, as well as injury from cold temperatures, lack of ventilation or water. In many states, it is illegal to leave them unattended .