Beach days, camping weekends, trips to the vet: dogs go everywhere with us. Car upholstery and boot carpet grip pet hair like Velcro, and a car's small enclosed space means fur and dander build up fast. Here's how to enjoy the ride without the mess.
Before you go
- De-fur your dog first. A two-minute session with a grooming glove outside the car removes loose hair that would otherwise end up on the seats.
- Wipe paws, especially after parks or beaches.
- Use a washable seat cover or blanket in your dog's usual spot.
- Secure your dog. A crate or a car harness keeps your dog safer and keeps fur in one area.
On the road
- Pack water, a bowl, waste bags and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. The CDC recommends sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.
- Pick up after your dog at every stop. Pet waste left behind can spread parasites and wash into waterways (U.S. EPA).
- Never leave your dog alone in a parked car. Temperatures inside can rise quickly.
After the trip
- Shake out seat covers and mats outside.
- Use a detailer brush in short, one-direction strokes on seats and boot carpet to drag embedded fur to the surface.
- Lift the clumps away or vacuum them up.
- Wash seat covers and blankets, adding laundry sponges to catch hair.
A quick clean after each trip is much easier than a deep clean once fur has been ground in for weeks, and it saves on detailing bills.
Built for dogs who ride shotgun
The Car & Couch Kit includes our grooming glove, a pet hair detailer brush for upholstery and a double-sided scraper.
See the Car & Couch KitSources
This article is general information only. Always follow your local road rules for pets in vehicles.