Ways to Pet-Proof Your Car
As adorable as they are, pets don’t always make for a perfect driving companion. Unless trained well for it, pets can be a little rude to the car. They love scratching the seats and dashboard. Not to mention, even a well-behaved pet can leave behind dirt, dander and hair. And then there is the odour that stays for days. If you are wondering how to protect the car interior from your pet cat or a dog, then don’t worry. This guide will help you in finding out some super easy tips to pet-proof your car and save its interior so that you don’t need to leave your furry friend behind at home.
Seat Covers
It is important to guard the original seat covers from fur, stains and scratches with seat covers, plastic or fabric. You can install removable covers or dog proof car seat covers. Despite what they are called, they work for all kinds of pets and can be a good way to limit the damage without compromising the aesthetics. You can even take them off to wash when needed.
If you are planning to change car seat covers, then find a wide range of durable seat covers and other auto accessories for sale in the UAE.
Moreover, if you don’t want to invest in dog-proof seat covers for any reason, use old blankets or throws to cover your seat when going out with your pet. This might look less aesthetic but will be just as effective. You can easily shake the dirt off after every ride.
- Cost: The cost of dog proof car seat cover ranges from AED 50 to AED 80.
Car Mats
Another way to pet-proof your car is using car mats in your vehicle. If you don’t already have one, consider buying car mats and rugs for your car. Although they tend to retain hair easily, they can be removed from the car and are, therefore, much easier to clean than cleaning your vehicle’s floor. You need to take the mats home, vacuum them up and put them through the machine! Please note that rubber floor mats and non-slip dog mats for a car can be a good option for dog owners.
- Cost: The average price of car floor mats is around AED 200 to AED 600.
Basket or a Pet Carrier
If your pet is relatively smaller, then you can put a basket for them in the car. So instead of sitting down or lying down on the seats, they will stay in the basket. Therefore, your pet hair will remain in the basket that you can wash later. Besides, you can also place your pet’s basket on the floor mat to keep the car seats clean. You can also clean your car seat at home by following this guide.
If you are looking to buy a pet carrier or other items then don’t forget to check pet accessories for sale in the UAE available on dubizzle.
If your pet is too big, car mats can be a great alternative to baskets and seat covers.
- Cost: The price of a pet carrier starts from AED 100 and goes up to AED 150.
Rubber Gloves
You can also use a rubber cleaning glove to the pet-proof car in no time. The rubber cleaning glove can remove all the hairs caught in your fabric seats without creating any further mess. To do this, nothing could be simpler: put it on, moisten it and run your hand over your seats. You will see, the hairs will come off effortlessly.
- Cost: Pet owners can easily find rubber gloves at the cost of AED 10 to AED 30.
Safety Harness
Whether your pet tends to wriggle when travelling by car or not, wearing a special safety harness is essential. In fact, a car harness for dogs or cats will not only prevent them from moving around in the cabin and dirtying every corner of the car, but it could also save their life in case of an accident.
- Cost: You can buy the safety harness for your dog or cat at the price ranges between AED 20 to AED 150. It is important to note that the price varies depending on the quality of the harness.
Baking Soda
Does the interior of your car smell of dogs? No need to panic, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on your vehicle’s seats and floor. Baking soda is an all-natural product that has the advantage of effectively absorbing odours.
Then let it sit overnight and vacuum the next morning to remove all traces of the product. Viola! The smell will go with this simple trick.
Steps to Clean Your Car
Here are some steps to better clean your car
- Brush and vacuum cleaner: Use a rubber bristle brush. As you lift the hair from the carpet or the seats, collect it with a vacuum cleaner.
- The upholstery cleaner: Spray the carpet or upholstery with a specific upholstery cleaner. Wipe with a cloth. The smell of the product ends up supplanting the animal’s smell.
- The plastic cleaner: Then apply a plastic cleaner to the plastic areas. Use a cloth to spread the product and clean the plastic.
The Final Tip: Keep Your Pet Clean
A well-groomed pet won’t leave behind a lot for you to worry about. That’s why it is recommended that you bathe your pet more often. Daily brushing or combing, especially before a car trip, is another good way to keep your pet from spreading furs, hair and dirt around your home.
Grooming also helps reduce the spread of fleas and dust, which can further save car seats and floor coverings. When grooming, make sure that your pet’s claws are also trimmed and clean. This will also help you to cat-proof or dog-proof your car and protect its interior from scratches. However, those who haven’t got a pet yet or want to add more to their family then they can adopt a pet in the UAE.
This concludes our guide about the ways to pet-proof your vehicle. With the above-mentioned tips, you can easily pet-proof your car and do complete car interior protection. You can also designate a special space for your pet – such as on the backside of your vehicle and install a car harness. This will keep your pet confined in the moving car and make the journey safer for both of you.
In case you have a pet but looking for a car, check the available listing of used cars for sale in the UAE and select a vehicle that can be pet-proof as per your needs. Meanwhile, you can avail of pet taxi services in Dubai and other Emirates for transporting your canines.
Stay tuned to UAE’s leading auto blog for more tips and car maintaining tricks.