Let’s face it – dogs are awesome! They make us smile, they make us laugh, and they bring us nothing but joy and love every single day. But, there’s one thing that dogs do that can drive us crazy – they shed their fur everywhere! Even the best vacuum cleaner doesn’t always pick up all of those pesky dog hairs! So how do you keep your car from becoming a mess of dog hair? Dog car seats! Take some time to read this guide on how to choose the best dog car seat for your pup today.
What is a Dog Car Seat?
A dog car seat is a type of harness that attaches to an existing vehicle seat belt. The design is intended for dogs that are in cars often, either with their owners or traveling in buses or trucks and want them securely strapped in with an easy way to buckle up. Most have handles on top so owners can carry their dogs in and out of cars without any lifting required.
Some seats have special compartments for storing food, water bowls, toys, treats, or waste bags. Others are designed specifically for small dogs or puppies under 20 pounds. And many come with safety features like reflective material for nighttime driving or multiple straps for extra stability. As you compare different models, keep your dog’s size and temperament in mind—not all seats are suited for every dog.
Features of Dog Car Seats
Pet car seats are designed for dogs of all shapes and sizes. While each one has its own unique benefits, they’re all meant to help give your pooch a safer ride when you’re on the road. Whether it’s keeping your dog in place during sudden stops or keeping him from trying to stick his head out of an open window, pet seats have you covered. Some are specially designed with airbags that will inflate upon impact, while others feature metal frames that protect both you and your pet. They also come with plenty of storage compartments for any emergency supplies you may need—water, treats, leashes, and so on—as well as being easy to clean.
Types of Dog Car Seats
You have three basic options when it comes to dog car seats:
- A seatbelt-secured seat,
- A harnessed booster seat, and
- A hard-shelled carrier.
In general, I recommend using a harnessed booster if you’re going for an inexpensive option and want something very simple that doesn’t get in your pup’s way. The key is picking out a harness that can be adjusted depending on how big your dog is. Otherwise, you might end up buying another one down the line because your pooch has grown out of his harnessed booster! Alternatively, a soft-sided carrier may work well for some people who don’t need their dogs riding shotguns but still want them within arm’s reach.
Must Read Dog Poop Picker Saves the Day
What are Things to Consider When Buying One?
There are many things that you have to consider before buying a dog car seat. You should take into account that your dog needs comfort, safety, and security. Think about where your pet will be sitting, how long your trip will be, and what type of vehicle you have. While shopping for a new dog car seat, there are many factors you should consider before making a purchase decision.
Cost of Dog Car Seat
It is important to note that safety comes first for both you and your pet when it comes time to buy a pet car seat. The first thing you need to do is determine how much money you are willing or able to spend on something like this. Then find something within that price range that also meets all of your needs. Most people decide to compromise between their budget and what they truly want in order to get exactly what they need and no more than that. While most pet owners can afford items priced at $50-$60 for small dogs, anything beyond $80-$100 starts getting quite pricey – even for large dog lovers. So it’s up to you as an individual to decide. If those extra features (such as waterproof cushioning) are worth spending twice as much as you had originally planned.
Type of Vehicle
One question, not enough people ask themselves when looking into buying a safe car seat for their pet is what kind of vehicle am I getting this item for? Because vehicles vary greatly in size and width, meaning some seats fit better than others in certain vehicles. Not all pet carriers are made alike, with some being meant only for small pets, while others are built specifically to handle larger animals. If you have any concerns about whether or not your seat will fit inside your vehicle correctly, consult with your local retailer before deciding which one to buy.
Your Journey Distance
How far do you drive each day? This may seem like a silly question but just think about it logically; many people don’t realize how limited some seats are simply because they never fully test them out themselves. For example, you might notice how uncomfortable your dog seems after five minutes of riding in its new carrier without ever noticing that it doesn’t include vents or windows of any kind. You would look crazy if you started complaining about having to sit beside someone without windows during rush hour traffic! However, our furry friends cannot tell us what feels comfortable and what doesn’t feel comfortable. They rely on us to make sure they are safe while traveling inside our cars.
Security Features
Are there secure handles? Safety harnesses? Secured buckles? A good dog carrier should always come equipped with these three critical components. Look for a seat that includes pockets to attach them to, ensuring that your pet remains securely fastened to the proper area of your vehicle at all times. Remember, if your dog somehow jumps out of its carrier, you are putting yourself and everyone else around you in serious danger. So be smart, take preventative measures now, and buy a dog car seat today.
Size of An Animal
Even though these carriers are fairly standard in size for medium-sized pets. There are still plenty of options available depending on how big your particular animal happens to be. That means you must know how big or small your own pet is beforehand, taking measurements from head to toe and paws to paws. Taking everything into consideration beforehand will ensure that you end up purchasing a product that fits properly. Some pet car seats are advertised as fighting dogs of all sizes. But when you actually use it on your dog, it’s clearly not designed to support an oversized animal. Therefore, make sure you read online reviews of a product before purchasing something like that and if possible talk to other people who have already purchased and used similar products.
Washing Your Dog Car Seat
If your dog will be sitting in his or her carrier for extended periods of time on a regular basis, you will inevitably need to wash it at some point. While some materials hold up well in washing machines with normal cycles like canvas and nylon. Other materials such as leather often end up damaged or torn once they get into that washing machine. Fortunately, it’s easy to recognize if a car seat is safe for washing or not. All you have to do is look for a label that says something like easy to clean or machine washable and that should be all you need to confirm that your dog carrier is safe. Just remember, if something doesn’t explicitly say it’s machine washable, there are likely strings attached to doing so safely.
Maintaining Your Dog’s Car Seat Regularly
By maintaining your dog’s car seat regularly, you will make sure its quality stays at optimal levels throughout its lifetime. You’ll also make sure any defective areas are replaced before they cause an issue in an emergency situation. Each year, have a professional inspect your car seat to make sure it’s in good working condition. While you’re at it, have them check on any safety features to make sure they are all intact and ready for use when needed. If there is a part of your dog carrier that needs to be replaced or fixed in any way, have that done immediately before using it again.
Routine Cleaning Procedure
As a general rule of thumb, you should also go through a routine cleaning procedure about once every month or two. If you’re consistently traveling with your pet via car seat. Clean your car seat by removing it from your vehicle and giving it a good thorough cleaning with soap and water. If you need to, you can also use baking soda or even a mixture of bleach and water if that’s all you have on hand. After thoroughly cleaning your pet carrier, allow it to dry completely before placing your dog back inside of it for travel.
Finally, store your dog’s carrier away in a safe place once you’ve finished cleaning so as not to get anything wet on it while waiting for another trip. In addition to checking for defects and conducting monthly cleanings, you should maintain your pet’s car seat based on how frequently he or she travels via car.
What’s The Best Car Seat For A Small Dog?
The best dog car seat for a small dog is one that meets your pet’s comfort and safety needs while fitting into your vehicle. In general, there are three options when it comes to choosing a dog car seat: using a dog harness, securing a pet carrier in a special canine-friendly car seat, or choosing a booster seat for dogs. Your choice will depend on your specific vehicle and your pet’s size and weight. However, whichever option you choose, keeping him or her safe during car rides is of utmost importance.
Do not just assume that because they’re called dog seats that they fit all breeds. Depending on their height and length, some animals could fall out of their seat or be uncomfortable. Make sure you purchase a seat that fits well before hitting the road with your furry friend. If space is an issue, then consider getting an aftermarket seat cover like those made by PetMagics or Kurgo. These portable products can give pets room to move around more freely without impeding anyone else from enjoying their ride as well.
