Taking your canine companions for car rides is a joy many dog owners share. However, the excitement of your furry friends, especially those prone to drooling and shedding, can leave your car’s interior looking less than pristine. Dog slobber and scratch marks on car doors are common woes for pet parents. Fortunately, there are simple and effective solutions to keep your car’s interior protected. This guide explores the best methods and products to safeguard your car doors from the everyday wear and tear that comes with traveling with your dog.
How to Protect Car Doors from Dog Scratches and Dog Drool
Preventing damage to your car doors doesn’t have to be complicated. Several products and practices can significantly reduce scratches and drool marks, making car rides with your dog more enjoyable for everyone.
Car Door Protector
The most straightforward and foolproof method to shield your car doors from dog scratches and drool is by using a car door protector. These accessories are designed specifically for this purpose and are generally easy to install and remove.
When selecting a car door protector, ensure the material is waterproof and simple to clean. These protectors act as a barrier not only against scratches and drool but also against mud, vomit, and other potential messes your dog might create. Many protectors come with suction cups or adjustable straps for secure attachment to your car windows or door frames.
Dog Cargo Cover
For a more comprehensive approach to interior protection, consider a dog cargo cover. These are ideal if your dog travels in the back of your vehicle or cargo area. Cargo covers come in various sizes to fit different vehicles and offer full coverage, protecting not just the doors but also the seats and floor from dirt, hair, and moisture. Look for waterproof and easily washable materials.
Dog Seatbelt and Tether
To keep your dog safely contained and minimize their movement around the car, a dog seatbelt or tether is a valuable investment. A seatbelt can help restrict your dog’s access to the car doors, thus reducing the likelihood of scratches. Seatbelt tethers, which clip into the car’s seatbelt buckle and attach to your dog’s harness, offer a secure way to keep them in place. While these primarily ensure your dog’s safety, they indirectly help protect your car’s interior by limiting your dog’s ability to reach and scratch the doors.
Keep Dog Nails Trimmed
A proactive measure to prevent scratches is to maintain your dog’s nail length. Regularly trimming your dog’s nails significantly reduces their potential to damage car door panels. If you’re hesitant to trim them yourself, especially if your dog has black nails, consult a veterinarian or a professional groomer for assistance. Shorter nails mean less risk of accidental scratches.
Towels or Dog Bibs
For managing drool, especially in breeds known for excessive salivation, consider using a drool bib. These bibs catch excess saliva before it drips onto your car seats or doors. If a bib isn’t practical for your dog, keeping a supply of microfiber towels in your car is an excellent alternative for quick and easy clean-ups of drool and other minor messes.
Can You Train Your Dog to Not Scratch Your Car Doors?
While training can modify a dog’s behavior, preventing accidental scratches on car doors often requires a combination of training and protective measures. Dogs don’t typically scratch car doors intentionally; it’s usually an accidental consequence of their excitement or movement within the vehicle. While you can work on managing their behavior to reduce excessive jumping or pawing, accidents can still occur. Therefore, implementing protective solutions like car door protectors remains the most reliable way to ensure your car doors stay in good condition.
Investing in solutions like car door protectors, cargo covers, and safety harnesses not only keeps your car clean and free from damage but also enhances the overall travel experience with your beloved canine companions.
References:
- My Brown Newfies. (n.d.). 10 Iconic Dog Breeds That Drool The Most. Retrieved from https://mybrownnewfies.com/2022/09/12/10-iconic-dog-breeds-that-drool-the-most/
- My Brown Newfies. (n.d.). How to Get Dog Drool Stains Off Your Car Seats. Retrieved from https://mybrownnewfies.com/2022/09/07/how-to-get-dog-drool-stains-off-your-car-seats/
- My Brown Newfies. (2022, September 12). Durapower Dog Car Door Protector. Retrieved from https://amzn.to/3BfZA0a
- My Brown Newfies. (n.d.). This one on Amazon has a 4.5/5 star rating with over 4,000 reviews. Retrieved from https://amzn.to/3xnyBP7
- My Brown Newfies. (n.d.). Kurgo Seatbelt Tether. Retrieved from https://amzn.to/3Lcn8rj
- My Brown Newfies. (2015, August 19). Safely Trim Dogs Black Nails. Retrieved from https://mybrownnewfies.com/2015/08/19/safely-trim-dogs-black-nails/
- My Brown Newfies. (2019, November 7). Best Drool Bibs for Dogs That Slobber. Retrieved from https://mybrownnewfies.com/2019/11/07/best-drool-bibs-for-dogs-that-slobber/
