Dog owners know that one of the best parts of sharing your life with a dog is having a companion with you on fun adventures.
The flip side of that, though, is the cleanup after a fun day out. Nobody wants to spend time toweling off the dog, vacuuming out the car, and scrubbing out any unfortunate accidents that might have happened.
If you want to save your car (and your sanity), you need to invest in a dependable car seat cover. A high-quality back seat dog cover or bucket seat cover will protect your interior from all of the “extra perks” that come with pet ownership.
So, what is the best car seat cover for dogs? With so many on the market, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. Stick with us as we walk you through choosing the best dog car seat cover for your needs.
Here are five things to consider when choosing a car seat cover for your pet.
1. Material Quality
Old or new, your car is a significant investment and, most likely, a place you spend at least some of your time every day.
An investment that large is something you want to protect from your fur baby’s shedding, sharp nails, and muddy coat. If you’re going to spend money on a dog car seat cover, you need to make sure it is durable enough to withstand anything your dog might put it through.
Ideally, the best back seat cover for dogs will be water-resistant or waterproof, and it should be made with high-quality materials.
A liner that meets these criteria is easy to clean (which is a must). While there are many well-made liners on the market, not all of them are made with the same quality components and attention to detail. If this is important to you, consider a 4Knines car seat cover.
The Difference Between Water-Resistant and Waterproof
Simply put, a waterproof car seat cover is going to offer the highest level of protection for your car.
The reason is that waterproof materials do not absorb moisture — which means you can clean up spills and accidents without the risk of liquids penetrating the liner and damaging your car seats. Let’s be real; leather seats can be a pain to maintain, and fabric car seats can quickly become a mosaic of your past adventures.
Water-resistant materials are tightly woven, which means water (or other liquids) has a hard time passing through. If you catch the accident quickly enough, you might be able to save your car seats. Eventually, however, the liquid will pass through and make contact with your car.
Consider which option makes the most sense for your needs (and whether you’d like to be able to toss your cover in the washing machine).
2. Ease of Installation
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to install and remove. If the dog car seat cover you choose is difficult to install, you’re adding extra hassle to what is supposed to be a time saver.
Not only that, but if it’s difficult to install, it’s more likely to be installed incorrectly, which could result in less-than-optimal car seat protection.
You also want to make sure it has a non-slip backing. A non-slip backing ensures that the cover stays in place and your seats remain protected when a pup moves around!
3. Safety
Speaking of safety, dogs can be crazy and distracting in the car. There are many different dog seat belts on the market to help keep both dogs and drivers safer, make sure your car seat cover accommodates your dog’s restraint system.
The 4Knines Split Rear Cover allows access to all three seat belts, which means you can make sure your four-legged or two-legged loved one is always secure.
You should also think about whether you need a seat cover with a hammock. The hammock creates a barrier between the front and back rows and gives your pets more room to move around without slipping between the seats or hitting the floor when you hit the brakes. This is another safety feature you may want to consider for your pet.
4. Fit
When you’re picking out your car seat cover, there are several styles to choose from, so think about how you will be using it and where your dog is most comfortable when riding in the car.
Will they be riding in the back seat or the front? You may find that your pet prefers to ride shotgun in the passenger seat, so a front seat cover would be a better investment compared to a full back seat liner.
Large dogs tend to prefer the back seat, so even if you’d love to have them upfront, they will probably be more comfortable and secure in the back.
You should also take a moment to check whether your cover comes with adjustable straps. This feature will help ensure a snug fit.
Wherever your pet settles down for a car ride, make sure you choose a cover designed for the specific space. Luckily, 4Knines makes it easy as a one-stop-shop for any type of seat cover you might need.
And if you have an SUV where your pup likes to ride in the rear cargo area, then check out 4Knines Cargo Liners.
How to Measure Your Car for a Dog Seat Cover
You’ll need to measure your car’s interior to determine the seat cover size you will need. When doing so, set up your vehicle the way it will be when using the cover.
If you’re ordering a rear car seat cover for your dog from 4Knines, you can use the handy chart below to make sure you get the perfect fit or don’t hesitate to give us a call, we love talking to customers! And don’t forget — 4Knines products always come with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee, so if you get the wrong size, we’ll help you swap it out for something else!