You love to travel and you want to share this adventure with your dog. However, you assume it’s extremely difficult to take your dog on a road trip. Other than planning the trip and getting the necessary dog accessories, you will also need to make preparations for your car so it will be a safe space for your furry friend. If you don’t know how to dog-proof your car, we have seven tips to help you out.
1. Utilize the Backseat
If you need to drive your dog somewhere, you should dedicate some car space to your furry friend. The backseat will work since your dog won’t get in your way or distract you during the drive. However, you can’t control what your dog does while he or she is in the backseat.
Luckily, you can purchase dog seats or even backseat covers to prevent your dog from ruining your car. Dog seats will keep your dog in one spot and a backseat cover will allow your dog to move around the back without getting his or her fur everywhere. Either way, you will make the trip easier for yourself if you utilize the backseat.
2. Keep Your Windows Up
Some owners will roll the windows down and allow their dogs to stick their heads outside of the car. However, this can be dangerous to your pet. Your dog could fall out of the car, get hit by something or drop his or her toy into the road. Even though your dog may enjoy sticking his or her head out of the window, you shouldn’t risk it.
Keep your windows up as you drive your car and never let your dog stick his or her head out the windows. If you introduce the idea to your dog, he or she will want you to keep rolling down the windows. Due to this, it’s better to keep them up as you drive.
3. Trim Your Dog’s Nails
Many people will overlook their dogs’ nails. Dog nails will grow and become a hazard if you don’t trim them regularly. You dog could scratch and damage the seats, floor and doors of your vehicle if you don’t take care of your dog’s nails. This could cause irreparable damage that will reduce the value of your car and make it look bad.
You can easily trim your dog’s nails by using a grinder or visiting a dog groomer regularly. If you want to save, it’s best to keep a nail grinder handy to ensure that you don’t cut too much of your dog’s nails off. Visit The Pampered Pup for FAQs and buying guide on the nail grinders on the market today.
4. Block Off Spaces
Depending on the size of your dog, he or she may try to fit into different spaces. For example, some cars will have an open space underneath the center console between the two front seats. Most cars also have space underneath the various seats that dogs can slip into during a car ride.
These spaces may be dangerous for your dog, so you should block them off. For example, if your dog wants to go under the center console, you can leave a backpack or your purse in that space. You can also buy dog hammocks that will cover prevent your dog from going into small spaces. In short, you need to limit where your dog can go in the car.
5. Extend the Life of Your Upholstery and Carpet
Over the years your car interior will worn out. But having a dog, other than the usual accidents like spills and food stains, the potential wear and tear is much higher. So you have to find ways to extend the life of your car upholstery and carpet.
Here are some ways on how you can protect and treat your car interior and furnishings when you have a dog:
- Brush your dog – Brush your dog first before letting them in the car. This way, you will minimize their shedding in your car’s seats and floor.
- Remove the hair – You can use a pair of rubber gloves to sweep over the upholstery and carpet. Loose dog hair and fur should stick in the gloves.
- Vacuum – It is unlikely to remove all the fur in car, so for optimal cleaning, use a vacuum to collect the hair and other unwanted debris.
- Use seat covers – Seat covers will keep the dog’s hair in your seat and will protect your car from any potential damage. This item is a great buy because it is handy and easy to maintain. You can remove and wash it after every trip.
- Treat your upholstery with fabric guard protector – This solution will coat and repel liquid and stains in the fabric of your seat and carpet. It will also prevent odor to settle and linger in your car.
6. Train Your Dog
Even though you can apply all of these tips, your dog may not behave during a car trip. You can help your dog to behave as you properly train him or her. Doing so will take a lot of time, but the training process will help you to properly protect your dog while in the car.
Take some time to train your dog before your car rides. This should include teaching your dog commands so he or she learns to do what you say. The process will involve lots of treats, time and practice, but it will be worth it at the end of the day. Spend some time training your dog and you will teach your furry friend to dog-proof his or herself.
7. Keep The Car Clean and Fresh
When you keep the car interior clean, you will also increase the durability of your furniture and furnishings. Damages from dog mishaps when not taken care of as quickly as possible will rapidly deteriorate the fabric and upholstery. Also, a clean car promotes better air quality and health both for you and your beloved hound.
These tips are designed to minimize messes in your car and keep your dog safe. Make sure you review them so you can apply these tips whenever you need to take your dog for a ride.
