Pups on the Go: A Pet Owner’s Guide to Dog Proofing Their Car
Most pet owners dream of going on a calming and leisurely drive with their beloved pup by their side. There’s nothing quite like taking on the road with your four-legged companion, offering some much-needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
And all of this sounds amazing in theory until the time comes to actually board your vehicle and spend hours in a cramped space with your pet. Dogs can be unpredictable in small spaces, and loose items tend to fly around when they get excited or even irritated from being confined. Even though most breeds are normally not a pain to travel with, it’s up to you as a pet parent to stock up on the essential pet supplies both in your home and your car.
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How Can You Make Your Car Dog Proof?
Since cars can potentially be hazardous for both the driver and their pet, you need to take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and comfortable drive. Not only does this mean paying attention to your pet’s well-being and demeanour, but it also includes taking the time to set up your car’s interior with pet-friendly materials and supplies.
Get a Dog Ramp
This tool is often overlooked by many individuals since they immediately classify it as a mobility accessory for elderly or overweight canines. While this can be useful in those situations, they’re not limited to medically compromised pups. In fact, installing a stable and secure ramp for dogs to get in the car can help prevent injuries and accidents while also maintaining healthy joint function.
Most dog ramps feature fastening buckles that can be attached to your car’s trunk, resulting in an easy, safe, and quick way for your pup to get in the vehicle. Some can be permanently folded and stored inside the trunk, while others can be rolled up for easy transportation.
Either way, the telescopic design of the ramp for dogs to get in the car offers plenty of versatility and convenience. It can be as long or as short as you need it to be, with several models offering adjustable heights and different designs.
Another crucial feature to look for is the textured surface of the ramp. While most models are designed to be non-slip and completely safe, they tend to be made out of metal, which can get hot in direct sunlight and risk injuring or burning your pup’s paws. To mitigate these risks, opt for a compound material that’s weather-resistant, durable, and soft to the touch.
You may even find options that come with a carpet-like finish, which provides an extra layer of grip and comfort while your pet is walking along the surface. Just don’t overdo it in terms of size and weight capacity, as the last thing you want is a ramp that’s too heavy to move, store, or secure.
Make Sure You Have a Dog Crate
It’s not uncommon for puppies to feel uneasy or restless when they’re in constant motion, especially after seeing new landscapes or meeting different people. To ensure your pet’s sense of comfort, you need to provide them with a safe space where they can relax and enjoy the ride without causing a ruckus.
One thing that can ease your pup’s anxiety is getting a spacious and comfy dog crate to create a serene environment inside your car. Not only can this prevent them from jumping around or trying to get out, but it also helps keep the surface of your seats free from fur and dirt.
When shopping for a car-friendly dog crate, you need to make sure it meets your pet’s size requirements. They should be able to move, stretch and turn around freely, with no parts of their bodies being accidentally pinched, pressed or tangled.
Additionally, you need to make sure that it’s made out of durable and lightweight materials, such as reinforced steel and aluminium. They’re normally designed to be collapsible, meaning that you can fold them up and store them inside your trunk or the backseat. And if you’re looking for extra comfort, you can always opt for a model lined with padding or fleece.
Most models have small openings to allow your pup to stick out their head or limbs and enjoy the scenery, but be sure to secure them with a latch or strap. This will ensure that your pet stays inside the crate and away from any potential hazards while you’re on the road.
In terms of placement, put the crate in an area that’s visible to you at all times, such as the backseat or passenger side. This way, you can keep an eye on your pup while they’re in the car and they’ll feel comforted by your presence.
Place Specialised Covers on the Seats and Trunk
Even if you get them a carrier for taking trips, your pet will still be in contact with the surface of your car seats and trunk. To protect these areas from dirt, fur, and any other mess, you should invest in specialised covers that are designed to fit your car’s seats and trunk.
These come in multiple sizes, styles and materials. Some are made of waterproof fabric to keep the surface of your car dry, while others are reinforced with PVC coating to prevent tears and rips. In any case, you should take proper measurements of your car’s interior and purchase covers that are specifically designed to fit the shape and size of its seats.
Pack Dog Toys and Accessories
You can never go wrong with a few dog toys and accessories in the car. Bring along some of their favourite treats, chew bones, or plushies to keep them entertained during long rides. This will help ease their anxiety and make them feel like they’re in a comfortable environment, even if the scenery is constantly changing.
You might also want to bring along their favourite dog blankets to keep them warm during those cold winter days. Choose one that is made of breathable materials, such as microfibre or cotton, and has a non-slip surface on the bottom. This will provide an extra layer of grip and comfort while your pet is walking along the car seats or trying to get comfortable.
Clean Up Regularly
No matter how much you try to prevent it, some mess can still be created inside your vehicle. This can range from pet fur to crumbs and other debris, all of which should be cleaned up regularly to prevent any damage to the car’s interior.
You should use pet-friendly cleaning products when tackling this task, as some chemicals can be harmful to your pet’s health. Invest in a powerful vacuum cleaner or steam mop, and make sure that you empty out the car trash can after each ride. This will help keep your vehicle clean and safe for both you and your pet.
