Welcoming a furry friend into your life is a commitment to their care, and it takes more than just providing food. As a pet owner, you’re responsible for their overall health and well-being, which includes enough exercise, regular grooming, routine vet checks, and more. One of the most challenging aspects of dog care is making car rides comfier and more enjoyable for them.
Dogs generally love going out, and it’s all fun and joy until the time comes to clean your seat covers. Some dogs leave behind tumbleweeds of fur, while others shed tiny little hairs. Wash them off a seat cover with a vacuum, lint roller, or a damp sponge. If the cover is machine washable, you can wipe, vacuum, or roll away as much hair as you can, and then put it in the washer.
If you’re looking for ways to make the whole cleaning easier and more efficient, then you can buy a protective seat cover for pets. It can help you shield your car’s interior from anything your dog brings along, whether it’s hair, drool, wet paws, mud, crumbs, or else.
Things to Consider When Buying Dog Car Seat Covers
Safety
Safety always comes first, so make sure the car seat protector you buy has seat belt slots to easily connect your dog’s car safety restraint. The dog seat cover is designed to protect your car interior, but also you need to make sure your dog is tethered to the seat to ensure a safe ride.
Available Models
There are a few types of dog car seat protectors available, including:
Hammocks
Dog hammocks are car seat covers that hang between the front of the back seat and the back of the front seat and create a comfy hammock in the back of your vehicle. They protect your car seat, keep your dog from falling and prevent them from jumping into the front seat to keep you company. Some hammocks come with zippered raised side flaps that protect your door from scratches and slobber.
If you can use only half of the back seat, and leave room for a child seat or other passengers, then you can opt for a half hammock cover. The great thing about hammock car seat covers is that they have openings to pass the seat belts through, so you can protect your pooch during car travel.
Bench Car Seat Covers
They’re designed to keep the entire back seat free of dirt, mud, hair, and wet paws. To ensure a good fit, measure your backseat and choose accordingly. Look for bench seat covers that have openings to pass the seat belts through, so your car can be used by other passengers, you can put a child car seat, and use your dog seat belt attachments to ensure your furry friend’s safety during the ride.
Single Seat Covers
They can work in cars and trucks and most often can be seen in the front passenger seat, but the truth is they can be used anywhere around bucket seats. They’re designed to cover the entire seat and offer ultimate protection. Just remember that travelling with a dog in the front seat with airbags is a big no-no.
Car Door Guards
They extend the protection from your backseat to your car’s doors and windows. Dogs like to put their paws up while on the road, and they can easily scratch your door or leave dirt behind. Car door guards are designed to fit in between your window and door panel.
Cargo Covers
They’re ideal for dogs that ride in the boot area of your vehicle. Some are designed to cover the floor area only, while others have raised sides to protect the entire boot space.
Consider each type carefully and choose the one that fits your car perfectly, so it can stay securely in place, and ensure your furry pal gets comfortable space. Some protectors offer multiple styles of coverage by adjusting straps and connection points.
Waterproof Protection
Most protectors provide waterproof or water-resistant protection; however, some work better than others. The fabric plays the most important role when it comes to waterproofing, but slits and openings for seat belts may also allow water to seep through, so if waterproofing is important to you, look for flap covers or zippered access points.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
Most dog car seat covers can be wiped clean and vacuumed, so you can keep them tidy without investing too much time and effort. Some can be machine-washed and air-dried or placed in a dryer. Make sure to check the care instructions for the cover you choose and follow them to clean it properly and keep it in good shape for longer.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with dogs is fun, but inevitably, they bring dirt and fur inside the vehicle. To protect your car, you can use a seat cover for pets and make the whole experience more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. There are different types to choose from, each one of them offering a range of benefits for different needs and budgets.