Unless you’ve figured out how to pet proof your car, rides with your furry buddy could get messy and smelly. In this article, the pet experts at PD Insurance guide you through all you need to know about pets in cars.
In this article we cover:
Protecting your car seats from pets
There are so many things to see and smell on the road, that sometimes the thrill (and fear) of travelling in your car can cause even the most well-trained pet to forget their manners. All of a sudden, you’re cleaning up vomit from a carsick cat or wee from an excited puppy.
Yet toileting isn’t the only thing to consider with your car interior. Pet hair has the uncanny ability to embed itself in your car seats – and your clothes. The great news is there are heaps of inexpensive ways to avoid the pet hair on your black work pants.
So, rather than wondering how to get dog hair out of car seats, use these suggestions to tackle the problem before it occurs:
- A felt blanket is a cheaper, hair-attracting alternative to a pet car seat cover. It’s easy to install (remember to tuck it into the creases to avoid it moving around) and quick to remove and wash. Simple.
- Having said that, a waterproof pet car seat cover will keep both your back and front seats hair (and dirt) free, protect it from slobber and accidents. Plus, they are made to be super comfy. For example, this convertible pet car seat cover doubles as a pet hammock and has openings for your seatbelts so you can attach a harness.
- Boot liners and padded cargo covers will protect the floor of your boot from any nasty surprises. We recommend one with a raised back, sides and a fold out flap to protect your material and surrounds from scratches too.
How to protect your car from slobber and scratches
While a boot protector with an apron is a great way to protect your bumper from scratches as your pooch as gets in, another worthwhile option is a pet ramp.
Let’s look at these and other types of protectors to pet proof your car.
- Pet ramps are perfect for small pets or those who are older and might have trouble jumping into your car without using your bumper as leverage. Plus they protect your car from damage and scratches.
- Car door covers prevent pets rom damaging your car’s trim with their nails and teeth as well as from dirt, slobber and hair. And they’re easy to remove when you don’t need them.
- Magnetic window shades are the perfect way to protect your glass from scratches and slobber while protecting your pet from the heat of the sun.
- A spill-proof pet bowl (or two) keeps your pet fed, hydrated and happy during your trip, without the water sloshing all over your car.
Harnessing your pet
Is your pet getting up in your grill while you’re driving? These products will help you reduce the driver distractions, chances of being fined, and unwanted damage from your roving pet:
- Install a pet barrier to prevent your dog from roaming through the car and scratching the interior while you’re on the road.
- Buckle your pet in with a safety harness (like this crash tested dog harness) – secured with a seat belt. Or keep your cat from clawing your car (and your lap) with a seatbelt safe, crash tested carrier. We love how these feature a water repellent cover and machine washable padding that’s easy to clean.
Remember that your car insurance won’t cover you if you’re traveling illegally with your pet. Securing them safely will help you ensure you’re driving within the law, so you’re covered in an accident.
How to put together an emergency pet care car kit
If the unforgivable happens in your car, it pays to be prepared, as it will help minimise lasting stains or smells. We recommend you keep this list of essentials in the boot to help you clean up quickly and safely:
- Portable vacuum and lint remover, to remove any excess hair on cushions, blankets, seat covers or clothes
- Cling wrap to shield unprotected windows from unwanted dog snot or slobber (if you’ve resisted buying magnetic window shades). Just peel away when finished and recycle
- Disposable poop bags for those in-car accidents, but also for those times when you’re walking your pet
- Pet nappies (machine washable of course) for long trips
- Wet wipes for wiping dirty paws. Want a more environmentally option? Keep a filled water bottle and washer instead
- Three towels. One for cleaning of dirt, one for drying wet fur and one for mopping up accidents
- Grooming supplies and brushes to remove excess hair during warmer months
- Chew toys or familiar blanket that smells like home to reduce your pet’s stress (and the results of that) during travel
- Extra leads in case you need to take your pet out of the car and secure them so you can clean up safely
- Pet odour spray or baking soda to help remove stubborn smells
- Portable litter tray and their normal litter in case your furry friend just needs to go
How to prevent motion sickness in dogs
Dog car sickness, aka motion sickness in dogs, is a common problem. Dog car sickness can easily cause your dog to become nervous about car rides, which can be stressful for both of you.
Did you know that young dogs are more likely to suffer from dog car sickness than older dogs? This is because the parts of the inner ear responsible for balance aren’t fully developed in younger dogs. By the time they’re about one year old, puppies will usually have outgrown dog car sickness.
If every car ride ends with a very unhappy dog and a stinky car, here are some ways you can prevent motion sickness:
- Place your dog in the back middle seat so they’re more likely to look forward
- Keep them safely in place with a doggie seat belt, safety harness or secured crate
- Lower the car windows for some fresh air
- Try to keep the car cool and well ventilated
- Your dog will love something that smells like home, whether it’s a beloved toy, a favourite blanket, or even an old shirt
- Restrict your dog’s food intake before the car ride, but don’t restrict access to fresh water
Regardless of whether you travel in your car with your cat or dog, pet insurance is a good idea to safeguard against unmanageable vet bills in the event of accident or illness.
And that’s where PD Insurance can help. As the winner of Canstar’s latest Award for Most Satisfied Customers | Pet Insurance, as rated by Kiwi pet owners, PD Insurance specialises in low-cost, high-value pet insurance that can cushion against hefty vet bills for tests, treatments, medication and more.
The three simple policies offered by PD Insurance offer the quality protection your furry family member deserves, with no lock-in contracts. In addition, you can go to any vet of your choice, plus you can upgrade or downgrade your plan as your needs change.
PD gives you one or more months of award winning pet insurance for FREE when you buy your plan online. Simply click below to get a quote today.
About the reviewer of this page
This report was reviewed by Canstar’s Editor, Bruce Pitchers. Bruce has three decades’ experience as a journalist working for major media companies in the UK and Australasia, including ACP, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. Prior to Canstar, he worked as a freelancer, including for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority, and for real estate companies on both sides of the Tasman.
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