Tips To Protect Your Car From Your Dog’s Messes

Do you love taking your dog with you on car rides and cross-country road trips? Most pet owners do, but it can be frustrating and worrisome when your canine companion leaves a mess behind in the back seat. We’ve all been there, and unfortunately, it can be difficult to get all the dirt, hair, and other grime out of your car’s interior. But, there is no need to worry! We’ve gathered some strategies you can use to protect your car from any messes that your pup might make. Even better, most of these tips are super easy to use and only take a few minutes.

The Setup

The best way to prepare your car for any messes is to properly set it up before taking your pup on the road. Here are a few of our favorite tips:

Invest in a Car Seat Cover

You can find a good backseat cover for dogs online and at retailers. They are designed to be easily attached and removed from car seats and are a great way to protect them from dirt, fur, and odors while keeping them comfortable. You can even find a variety of colors and designs. 

Consider a Car Seat Hammock

For larger dogs who might be more prone to jumping about, investing in a car seat hammock can help secure your pup safely in the backseat and keep them from jumping around too much. This product will also help keep dirt and fur from landing all over the car interior. 

Buy Protective Floor Mats

Floor mats are essential for preventing messes from making their way onto the carpets of your vehicle and sticking there forever. There are a variety of options, such as rubber mats or even mats specifically designed for pet owners.

On The Road 

Once you’ve prepared the car and have your pup inside, there are preventative steps you can take to keep any messes at bay while you’re in motion. Let’s take a look at these super easy steps:

Limit Your Dog’s Car Time 

Make sure your dog is properly secured in their seat cover or hammock before starting off, and then limit their roaming (or jumping!) during the drive as much as possible. Taking frequent breaks throughout your travels so your pup can stretch their legs and get some energy out also helps limit their movement while in the car.  

Monitor Your Dog’s Movements

Keep an eye on where your pup is going and what they’re doing – this includes making sure they don’t manage to slip out of their seat cover or hammock if they’re using one.

Start Slow 

If this isn’t their first rodeo, try to get your pup accustomed to car rides by gradually increasing their time in the car until they become more comfortable with longer trips. 

After The Trip 

Unfortunately, accidents do happen – but luckily there are ways to clean up any mess after a trip. Here are a few post-trip tips:

Vacuum The Car Interior

Vacuuming should be done regularly whenever you take your pup out in order to reduce any dirt or fur buildup that may occur over time. Be sure to reach all nooks and crannies that can often be overlooked when cleaning up messes. 

Clean Up Messes and Spills

If any spills happen while on the road or after returning home, you should take immediate steps to clean them up or stop them from spreading further into the interior fabrics of your vehicle.

Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Products

Whenever cleaning any pet messes or odors out of your car interior, it’s important to always use pet-safe cleaning products that do not give off harsh smells that could potentially affect everyone inside the car after cleaning – including your dog. For the best results, look for products specifically formulated for pet owners.

Conclusion

Taking your pup along on car rides is one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also be nerve-wracking to think of the messes your pet might leave behind! With the right preparation and a few helpful products, you can protect your car from any messes. Don’t let pet messes stop you from taking the pup out on the town- our pre-planning tips and helpful car accessories will ensure your car is protected so you and your pup can enjoy a worry-free journey.