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6 Easy Ways To Pet Proof Your Car

Christina Raymond
by Christina Raymond
Updated:  April 25th, 2022 Published:  May 5th, 2020

As pet parents, we love our dogs and want to take them with us whenever possible — which definitely includes car rides.

Whether it’s a short trip or a long journey, our furry friends can definitely leave their mark in a car. If you could use a little help figuring out the best ways to pet-proof your car, the following items are very useful to protect your car’s interior and exterior, while at the same time keeping your pet safe.


1. Car Hammock

If you’re a pet parent who prefers to have your dog ride in the back seat then a car hammock is a must-have. Attaching to both the back seat and front seat headrests the hammock covers the entire back section of your car protecting it from hair, drool, food messes, and anything else your pet can throw at it. You can also remove the attachments from the front seat headrests to convert the hammock into a traditional seat cover in case you have some people passengers who need to sit on it.


When purchasing a car hammock, be sure to check that it comes with openings to allow access to the seat belt buckles so you can keep your furry friend and anyone else who sits on it safe.


Another important consideration when choosing a car hammock is the material that it is made from. This will impact more than just its ability to keep your vehicle clean. Make sure to choose a seat cover with a non-slip backing. This will prevent the bottom of the hammock from slipping and sliding on your leather or polyester seating. Not only will it stop your dog from falling, causing an injury, but the secure footing will make him more comfortable in the vehicle when it’s moving.


Our choice: BarksBar Luxury Pet Car Seat Cover

Adaptable and versatile, this car seat cover can be converted from a hammock to a traditional seat cover – giving you more bang for your back. It’s made from high-quality heavy-duty waterproof polyester that’s resistant to pet claws and easy to clean (machine washable on a delicate cycle). Easy to install, the BarksBar car seat cover uses quick-release clips and buckles to stay firmly attached to your seats- but it can be removed in seconds. To boot, there are two pockets added so you can store your pet’s essentials such as treats, leash, and toys.


2. Pet Seat Cover

If you prefer to have your pet ride in the front with you then a pet-specific seat cover is a great investment to protect your interior. Offering similar features to the hammock, a pet-specific seat cover will be water-resistant and made of durable, washable fabric.


This is also a great choice for those that have a van with bucket seats in the middle. After all, the bench seat is often SO far back there and it's ideal packing space if you’re heading out on a road trip or vacation together!


Individual car seat covers are also a great choice for families that can’t give up the full backseat for their furry family member. This way you can make sure that your dog is safe and comfortable on one side of the back seat while other family members occupy the other side. But, be warned, if your dog tends to try to get into your lap, this isn’t going to stop them from trying that with the other backseat passengers during the ride. Pair your seat cover with a seatbelt to keep your dog safely in his own seat.


Our choice: URPOWER Pet Front Seat Cover

No need to worry about pet hair when your pooch is riding shotgun- this scratch-proof seat cover will keep your car protected from dirt, grime, and claw marks. Made from four layers of high-quality heavy-duty polyester, it is also completely waterproof so any “accident” in the car won’t make your seats soaked. And with non-slip backing and seat anchors, you can be sure that this cover will stay in place during the trip.


3. Cargo Cover

If you drive a vehicle with a large open trunk space or removable back seats then a cargo cover is a must-have for you. Available in a variety of sizes to suit different cars, a cargo cover can either lay flat on the floor or cover both the floor and back of a bench seat. These are great for long trips and big dogs, as it allows them some space to really spread out and get comfortable.


You’ll also want to invest in a cargo cover that has a fold-out flap to cover your car’s back bumper. This will protect it from potential nail scratches when your dog is entering or exiting the vehicle.


If you travel with your dog in a wire crate, a cargo liner may still be a smart choice. Why? Unlike the more closed-in plastic dog crates, the wire crate will allow any loose hair and dirt to escape the crate. This is compounded further if your dog is wet or muddy and decides to shake. Placing the crate on a quality cargo liner will protect the space from mess and offer a secure surface where the crate isn’t going to slide while you’re driving around.


Our choice: 4Knines SUV Cargo Liner

With premium-quality offered for a budget-friendly price, this cargo cover is one of the most popular on the market. It has a unique design that ensures greater versatility- 60/40,50/50 split seat and/or center cargo pass-through are the options you get with this single cover. Pretty impressive, right? The large dimensions of this waterproof and durable cover also protect the car’s bumper.


4. Seat Belt Harness

A seat belt harness is a must-have for any pet in your vehicle not traveling in a crate or carrier. In case of an accident, you want your pet to be just as safe as you. In addition to the safety it provides, a seat belt harness will also restrain your pet from moving around the car and creating a mess. Imagine no snouts pressed against the window, no chewing or paw prints all over your upholstery.


A seat belt harness works like a human harness in that it restrains your dog in the event of a crash. This will prevent them from being thrown forward into the front seat, into other passengers, or out of the vehicle. They are used with your existing seatbelt system, either by hooking into the seatbelt clip or by having the belt fed through a portion of the harness before buckling it.


You should be very selective when purchasing a car harness for your pet— we learned earlier this year from the Center for Pet Safety that approximately 86% of car harnesses don’t live up to their safety claims.


In addition to being sure that the harness you choose is truly crash-tested and safe, pay careful attention to the recommended weight limits for the harness and purchase the correct size. Much like child safety seats, the weight limit is listed for a reason! Placing a dog in a harness that is too big may allow them to slip out while a harness that is too small may fail to hold them securely during a crash.


Our choice: Sleepypod ClickIt Sport Crash-Tested Car Safety Dog Harness

One of the rare dog seat belt harnesses that have actually been crash-tested and certified by CPS, this unique accessory has been made with your pet’s safety in mind. The wide, cushioned vest absorbs and distributes energy evenly in case of impact, and the three-point Infinity Loop design secures your pet’s whole torso. Available in a selection of sizes and colors, this secure dog harness will keep your pooch safely tethered while you focus on the road.


5. Ramps

Getting in and out of a car can be tricky for small dogs and older dogs that suffer from joint problems. Depending on their size, you as a pet owner may not be able to lift them into the car easily. If you’ve ever seen a dog attempt to jump into a car and fail, it can be detrimental to both the dog and your car. To prevent pet injury and car interior and exterior scratches, investing in a foldable dog ramp is a great idea.


Choose a ramp that has a non-skid surface that will offer secure footing for your dog. This will prevent injury while also encouraging him to use the ramp with confidence. Check the sizing of the ramp to ensure that it will be high enough to get your dog into the car at an angle that isn’t too steep.


Our choice: PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp

Lightweight yet durable, this convenient folding ramp for pets will support dogs that weigh up to 150 pounds. For added safety, this folding ramp features a high traction walking surface and side rails that prevent slipping and falls- which is especially important for seniors or dogs with limited mobility. And as an added convenience- this ramp can be modified for use on side doors with a separately sold set of adapters.


6. Nail Caps

If pet hair, drool and dirt aren’t a big concern for you because you have leather or synthetic leather interior that is easily cleaned, then you may be most concerned about scratches and rips from pet nails. If the thought of pet nails on your car’s interior is too much to bear, then perhaps nail caps would be a good option for you. Meant to simply cover the tips of your dog or cat’s nails, the caps are applied with a small amount of adhesive and are said to last between 4 to 6 weeks. Some groomers even offer the service of applying them for you.


Our choice: Soft Claws Canine Nail Caps

While you pick out nail caps that could protect your expensive seats (and hardwood floors!), why not have some fun with it? These cool canine nail caps come in a range of bright and funky colors, as well as a few sparkly and glittery options for those bold pooches. Easy to apply and durable, these nail caps will last you for a month- month and a half.


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Christina Raymond
Christina Raymond

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How Cold is Too Cold for My Dog to Be Outside?

You might enjoy the magic of wintertime, but that doesn’t mean that your pooch shares your enthusiasm for cold weather – or the situation might be the exact opposite, with your four-legged bestie enjoying snowfall and you dreading the icy temperatures. Either way, you might be wondering if your pet needs some extra protection or different routines during winter – after all, some dogs are less suited for cold than others. So, it begs the question how cold is too cold for your dog, and should you even try going outside in these cases? There are several precautions you can take, but sometimes, you should be wary of extreme temperatures. Let’s delve deeper and learn more. How Cold is Too Cold for My Dog to Be Outside?The tolerance to cold weather can vary among individual dogs based on factors such as breed, size, coat type, age, and overall health. Generally, most dogs can tolerate cold weather to some extent, but there are certain conditions and temperatures where it becomes unsafe for them to be outside for extended periods. Of course, there will be some telltale signs that it’s just too cold to be outside. Signs that your dog may be too cold include shivering, whining, seeking shelter, lifting paws off the ground, or exhibiting signs of discomfort. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to bring your dog inside for some much-needed warmth.Of course, it’s essential to use your judgment and consider your dog's individual needs – you should always prioritize your dog's well-being in extreme weather conditions, but that will differ from dog to dog and climate to climate. Even so, there are some general guidelines for determining if it’s too cold outside for your pet – here’s what you need to know before taking them outside in really cold weather.Consider their coat length and breed: In winter, your pet’s coat can be a determining factor for outside time. Dogs with thick or double coats, such as  Siberian Huskies or  Alaskan Malamutes, may be more tolerant of cold temperatures than those with short coats, like Chihuahuas or Greyhounds. Some dogs were specially bred for living and working in cold environments, while some breeds were developed for completely opposite conditions. If your pet belongs to the latter group, it might be useful to invest in  a warm coat  designed to keep your dog toasty and warm during cold weather.

Jack Russell Terrier Adopts and Nurses Six Abandoned Kittens

People grow up believing that cats and dogs are mortal enemies. Phrases like “fight like cats and dogs" just reinforce that belief.But, is this really true? Is there no way for felines and canines to get along? As it turns out, dogs and cats can be more than friends.A Jack Russell terrier, named Teasel, has become a surrogate mom to six abandoned kittens. Sue Stubley, who lives in the Suffolk town of Newmarket, was contacted after a feral cat abandoned her litter. Ms Stubley, who runs Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital in Newmarket, primarily rescues hedgehogs but has agreed to take the abandoned kittens for the night and take them to the cat rescue center the next morning. However, Ms Stubley’s two-year-old Jack Russell had other plans. According to Ms Stubley, Teasel began lactating the same evening and the hungry kittens latched on to feed. “My dog decided that she was going to look after them. She’s lactating, she’s feeding them, she cleans them, she does everything. So it’s actually been quite easy for me,” said Ms Stubley.At first, Teasel wasn’t making enough milk, and Ms Stubley had to supplement the kitten’s feedings. However, the new mom managed to produce a lot of milk the following morning, and the more she nurses, the more she produces. Apparently, Teasel's maternal instinct kicked in quickly. “If anyone comes in that she doesn’t know and picks one of the kittens up, she’ll march over and go and pick them up and bring them to her back again. She’s adopted proper mum behavior.”Ms Stubley was initially worried about how Teasel might react and thought that she might go after one of the kittens. But that never happened.“By the time they were ready for their second feed, they were sat with her and cuddled up with her. Generally, she is a very gentle dog that loves and adores everyone. She loves children, she’s a great little dog. And apparently, her mum was very similar and was very nurturing so it’s obviously something that’s in her nature.” According to BBC, Dr Rachel Grant, a biologist at London South Bank University, explained that such interspecies adoptions are most likely the result of fixed action patterns in which the adopted animal is reacting to a certain trigger from the adoptee. “This sets off a cascade in the brain that elicits the pattern of behavior,” said Dr Grant. The closer the species are to one another, the higher the chances for cross-species adoption to happen. This means that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever hear about an alligator nursing a puppy.“In baby mammals, there will be certain features that mammals share with other mammals,” said Dr Grant. “Cats and dogs, for example, are both mammals and the cues that are driving maternal behavior are very similar. They will be responding to certain cues.”When it comes to baby mammals, they will act on an instinct too. In Teasel’s case, the kittens are instinctively “rooting” - like human babies or puppies - for a nipple to feed on. “These things aren’t under conscious control,” Dr Grant explained. The strong maternal instincts exhibited by Teasel show that she’ll be a wonderful mother to her puppies, in case she one day gives birth to a litter of her own. Ms Stubley has already found loving homes for the kittens to go to when they are old enough, but she says she’ll miss them terribly.“As for Teasel, I don’t know how she’ll feel when they’re gone but I think she’s their surrogate mum for life now.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Amazon Took Some Heat with 2023 Super Bowl Ad

Rescues and dog experts alike felt solution to separation anxiety was a total fumble. Can they recover this year?

What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a popular form of positive reinforcement dog training that uses a small handheld device called a clicker to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. The clicker makes a distinct and consistent sound that signals to the dog that they have performed the desired behavior, followed by a reward such as a treat or praise. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with the reward, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.Now, if you want to try clicker training with your dog, you could be wondering at what age should you start. Very early on? Or as your puppy grows a bit older? Let’s find out.What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?Clicker training is versatile and can be used for teaching  basic commands, tricks, and even addressing behavioral issues. It is a humane and positive approach to training that fosters a strong bond between the owner and the dog. Clicker training can be started with dogs at a relatively young age, typically when they are around 8 weeks old. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands and behaviors from a young age, and clicker training can be a positive and effective method for teaching them.However, it's important to keep in mind that very young puppies have shorter attention spans, so training sessions should be kept short and fun. Focus on simple commands and behaviors, and use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, in conjunction with the clicker.Consistency and patience are key when training puppies, and it's important to make the training sessions enjoyable for them. Stay consistent and maintain your composure and command. Even if the early training sessions last just a few minutes, keep it up. Of course, if you're unsure about how to start clicker training or have concerns about your puppy's readiness, consulting with a professional dog trainer or attending puppy training classes can be helpful. Always use positive reinforcement methods to create a positive and trusting relationship between you and your dog.Remember that clicker training requires patience and hard work to be successful. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with positive reinforcement, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.4 Things to Know About Clicker TrainingTo ensure your training sessions with a clicker are successful no matter when you start implementing them in your pet’s routine, you need to know the basics. These tips will help you optimize your process for maximum efficiency:Timing is KeyClicker training relies on precise timing. The click should occur at the exact moment your dog exhibits the desired behavior. This helps your dog make the connection between the behavior and the reward.Positive Reinforcement

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Wild Mushrooms?

If you hike or adventure with your dog, you have likely encountered wild mushrooms during your travels – especially now that we are entering the autumn season. But here’s the problem: they’re not always safe for our furry friends. As dog parents, it’s our responsibility to learn about the dangers that wild mushrooms may pose to our dogs and how to keep them safe. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about wild mushrooms, including how they could spell trouble for your dog and what you should do if your pup decides to chow down one of these potentially toxic fungi. Recognizing the signs of mushroom toxicity and knowing what steps to act promptly could make all the difference. So, let’s dive into the world of wild mushrooms and get you prepared to protect your canine companion. Can Mushrooms Harm a Dog? There has been a lot of talk recently about the benefits of medicinal mushrooms for both humans and pets. While studies and research are still being conducted to fully understand the impact mushrooms can have as a supplement or alternative treatment option, it’s clear that some fungi can be incredibly helpful. Still, there are also a few that are highly toxic both to us and our furry friends. The challenge when discussing wild mushrooms is that most dog parents aren’t foraging experts with a knowledge of which mushrooms are edible and which are not – and our dogs certainly aren’t educated on the topic! If you are out hiking and your dog discovers a mushroom on the side of the trail, you likely aren’t going to know in advance whether it’s toxic or not. In fact, if you have a high-energy dog like we do with our pup Lucifer, you may not even have the opportunity to see the mushroom enough to identify it before it has been ingested. This means leaving the possibility that it could be a toxic variety up to chance. For this reason, it’s safer to steer clear of wild mushrooms entirely. Does this mean that your grocery store mushrooms are dangerous? No. If you have purchased mushrooms to cook up for dinner and you want to share one with your dog, they are safe. They are healthiest when offered raw, but if you do cook them, ensure they are unseasoned, as the seasoning could upset your dog’s stomach. They can also be found in some foods, treats, supplements, and bone broth products. What Does Mushroom Toxicity Look Like in Dogs? While we have established that allowing your dog to eat wild mushrooms is unsafe, the hard truth is that we can’t always control the situation. Simply looking away for a matter of seconds may be all it takes for your dog to find and grab a mushroom on the side of the road, on a trail, or even in your backyard. For this reason, we must ensure that we are familiar with the signs of mushroom toxicity to recognize the problem and react as quickly as possible. There are four categories of toxic mushrooms: GastrointestinalMushrooms in this category primarily impact your dog’s digestive system. They act quickly, showing signs in as little as 15 minutes after ingestion. These are the most common signs your dog has ingested a gastrointestinal mushroom: Excessive drooling Upset stomach Abdominal pain Vomiting Diarrhea NeurotoxicThese mushrooms cause neurological symptoms and, if not addressed quickly, can often be fatal. Signs often show approximately 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion. The most common signs that your dog has eaten a neurotoxic mushroom include: Digestive upset Weakness Agitation or anxiety Loss of coordination Unsteady gateAppearing confused or disoriented Tremors Seizures HepatotoxicThese mushrooms are significantly more dangerous than the first two categories. They are slower acting, with symptoms appearing as long as 12 hours after eating the mushroom. They begin by upsetting the digestive system and may be initially mistaken for a gastrointestinal mushroom. However, after time, they will start to impact the function of your dog’s liver, leading potentially to liver failure and death if not addressed. Nephrotoxic Finally, this category is very similar to hepatotoxic mushrooms in that it begins as a digestive upset. If unaddressed, these mushrooms can cause kidney failure or acute renal damage. What Do I Do if My Dog Ate a Wild Mushroom? If you notice any of the above symptoms of mushroom toxicity in your dog, contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic as soon as possible. If there are multiple mushrooms in the area and you can take a sample for identification, it may help provide valuable insight. While no treatment can instantly fix the toxicity, your veterinarian can provide your pup with supportive care. This will begin with inducing vomiting and/or giving your dog activated charcoal to remove or cancel out the poison and prevent further damage. The vet will monitor your dog while providing supportive care to address symptoms or complications of the toxicity, such as IV fluids to prevent dehydration and anti-nausea medications to settle digestive problems. This takes the unnecessary strain off the body, significantly boosting your dog’s chance of survival.

With Just a Sniff, Dogs May be Able to Curtail PTSD Episodes

Halifax's Dalhousie University finds dogs can identify the adrenaline hormone through an individual's breath.

UK Insurance Giant Names Pets as Culprit in Over 6,000 Claims

Between 2019 and 2023, dogs and cats identified as cause for missing jewelry, broken electronics, and property damage.

Dog Helps Find Missing Child

Dogs can be heroes, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the story of a very special police K9 in Auburn, Massachusetts. When a 12-year-old went missing from their home and couldn’t be found for roughly two hours, Auburn police knew that they had to work quickly, and Biza the dog played an integral role in the child’s rescue.Child Found with the Help of a Police K9 Named BizaAccording to a Facebook post by Auburn MA Police Department, information about a missing child was received around 10:30 p.m. on January 31, 2024. The child had been missing since around 8:30 p.m., when they had left their home. No one knew where the child could be, and the frigid temperatures made everyone worry even more about their safety.Because the child had last been seen in the Pakachoag Hill area, Auburn police officers, Massachusetts State Police troopers, and detectives got to work looking for them. But it would be Biza, the K9 partner of Officer Ljunggren, who would really come through and help the search end successfully that night.Following the Scent to a Missing ChildBiza picked up the child’s scent and tracked it for more than two miles. The police were able to find signs that the missing child had been in the area, so they kept up the search until they were able to find them and bring them home to their family just a short while later.This is one example of many times that Biza has helped police in Auburn succeed since she joined them in 2022 from Germany. In addition to helping find missing people, she has also helped police track down suspects.  Thanks to Biza and her ability to track the right scent that night, a child was saved from the cold and made it home safe.Here’s a quick video about this story, showcasing a few photos of beautiful Biza:

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