If you have a furry friend, chances are you have had to take them in the car. As much as we love our pets, they can create quite a mess in our vehicles. Read on for five tips to help you protect your vehicle from your favorite sidekick.
1. Keep Your Pet Groomed
Making sure your pet receives frequent grooming or baths can go a long way in keeping your car clean. Clean pets will leave less hair, dirt, and oils in your vehicle. Keeping Fido clean will also prevent fleas and flea dust from infiltrating your car. Make sure that nail trimming is included in your pet’s grooming or regular bathing schedule. Long pet nails can puncture upholstery, resulting in costly repairs.
2. Cover Your Seats
Protect your upholstery by using durable seat covers and floor mats. Seat covers should ideally be machine washable for easy cleanup after a trip with your pet. For your floor, choose plastic mats or rubber liners to create an easy-to-clean and nonskid surface. Seat and floor covers are great if you have a pet that gets carsick often. Clean mats and liners can be kept in the trunk when not in use.
3. Give Your Pet a Secure Space
You can improve the cleanliness of your vehicle by restricting your pets to one area of your vehicle. Pets should be secured in the back seat with a seat belt harness or in a crate. Be sure to secure crates so that they don’t slide in your vehicle. By limiting the area your pet can explore, you not only make the trip safer for everyone, but you limit the areas you need to pet-proof and/or clean after a trip.
4. Be Mindful of Feeding Times and Bathroom Breaks
To prevent an upset stomach while in the car, feed your pets a light meal three to four hours before you plan to leave. It is also a good idea to provide bottled water for your pets if traveling far away from home. Water from distant locations can cause an upset stomach while in the car.
Make sure your pet goes to the bathroom before getting into the car. When on long trips, be sure to include bathroom breaks for your furry friend. Frequent breaks to go to the bathroom and stretch will decrease the likelihood of an accident happening in your car.
5. Keep a Cleanup Kit in Your Car
Prevent permanent staining and odors by cleaning up pet messes as quickly as possible. Keeping a stocked cleanup kit in your car will make cleanup quick and easy no matter where you are. Cleanup kits should include lint rollers, spot-removers, cleaning solutions, a waste scoop, plastic bags, paper towels, wipes, towels, blankets, and air fresheners. Be sure all cleaners are both pet safe and the correct cleaning materials for your car.
Using these five tips can help make every car ride more enjoyable for both humans and pets alike. If you need some new wheels for your next road trip, head over to see us at Tom O’Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram – Indianapolis today.
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