We make sure all humans are securely buckled in the car before driving, so why do so many people not do the same thing for dogs? When I asked myself this question the first time, I immediately went out and got a dog seat belt for my dog and I’ve been using it ever since. Having a way to secure your dog in the car, such as a dog car seat or seat belt could save your furry friend’s life.
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What is a Dog Car Seat?
A dog car seat refers to a product that keeps your dog secure in the car. It’s usually a seat with raised edges that attaches to your car's seats. Then, it has a security tether inside that can clip to your dog’s harness. That way, if your car comes to an abrupt stop, your dog won’t go flying. Most dog car seats are cushioned to provide comfort for long car rides.
An alternative to a dog car seat is a dog seat belt. Pet seat belts usually clip into the car’s seat belt buckle and clip to your dog’s harness. They provide the same function as a dog car seat, but without the seat part. So, they’re not as comfortable, but they’re usually more versatile and affordable.
Do Dogs Need Car Seats?
Yes, dogs need a way to be secured in the car, whether that’s a seat belt, car seat, or carrier. Just like humans, dogs can get severely injured if they’re not buckled in when the car stops quickly. Having your dog secured in the car could save their life in an accident.
Car seats and seat belts are also essential for the driver’s safety. Many dogs like to be as close to their humans as possible, so they may try to crawl on your lap or distract you. Being distracted by your dog while driving is unsafe for everyone in your car and the cars around you, so securing your dog can help prevent that.
Plus, some locations require dogs to be secured in the car. While these laws usually aren’t heavily enforced, they’re essential for everyone’s safety.
Best Dog Car Seat Products
Dog car seats are usually the best way to secure dogs in the car because they buckle your dog in while surrounding them with a barrier so they can’t easily escape. Plus, they’re like dog beds, ensuring your pup is comfortable on the go.
Below are a few of the best dog car seat products to choose from.
You can add this dog car seat to your vehicle without blocking any of the seats that humans can sit on. This product sits in the space between the driver and passenger seat and attaches to the headrests. It’s meant for tiny dogs only since it’s made for 11 pounds or less. It’s a great option for little dogs that are more comfortable being right beside their humans in the car.
If you want a pet car seat that has enough space for large dogs, this K&H Pet Products design might work for your pup. It sits on one of the back seats in your car and securely attaches to the headrest in front and behind it. It comes in several sizes with the largest being 21 x 19 x 19 inches, which is big enough for most medium and large dogs to comfortably fit inside.
Here’s another dog car seat that can fit medium and large dogs. It goes in your back seat and attaches through seat belt loops. It comes with safety tethers to clip your dog in by their harness. The base and sides are made of sturdy but comfortable cushions to keep your pup secure while you drive. Most dogs will fall in love with the breathable memory sponge base and the soft exterior fabric.
This option is designed for small dogs up to 25 pounds. It’s a sturdy cube-shaped seat that attaches to one of your back seats. Of course, it also has a safety tether inside to secure your dog. When it’s not in use, it folds up, making it easy to travel with. It’s available in ten different color options, so there’s a design that fits every dog’s aesthetic.
Best Dog Seat Belt Products
If you don’t want a car seat for dogs, dog seat belts are great alternatives. They clip your dog in with ease, and they’re small and portable. If you’re not always using the same car or if you travel with several different dogs, a seat belt may be a good option for you due to its versatility.
Below are a few of the best dog seat belts.
This set comes with two dog seat belts and a collapsible water bowl (which is a product I highly recommend for travel). Like most dog seat belts, one end clips into the seat belt part of your car while the other end attaches to your dog’s harness. The end closest to your dog has an elastic buffer so it won’t pull your dog back too hard during a sudden stop or sharp turn.
The Might Paw Car Safety Belt attaches to your car and your dog’s harness, but it has a special carabiner clip for added durability. There are also other versions of this product available, such as one that has a latch attachment and one that attaches to the seat’s headrest. The seat belt’s length is adjustable, making it suitable for dogs of all sizes.
This dog seat belt is unique because the same seat belt can attach to either the seat belt hardware or the seat’s headrest. So, if one option works best in one car while the other works better in another, you can use the same seat belt for both. It has an elastic buffer design to keep your pup extra safe during abrupt stops. Plus, it comes with a collapsible bowl so it’s easy to offer your dog food and water on the go.
Best Dog Car Seat Covers
While dog car seat covers aren’t meant to keep your dog safe, they’re another essential car accessory that most dog parents want. They can protect your car seats from fur, slobber, urine, and vomit. They’re great to pair with a dog seat belt.
As a dog foster mom, a dog seat cover has been a lifesaver for me. So, here are some of the best dog seat covers for anyone who frequently has dogs in their car.
This dog seat cover ensures that every inch of your back seat is protected. It attaches to the front and back headrests, along with the sides of the car. The bottom of the cover is cushioned, and there’s a mesh window and pockets on the front side. The cover has openings in it so you can use dog seat belts with the cover if you’d like. Using this cover is like making the perfect dog-friendly haven in your back seat.
This product is very similar to the Lesure Dog Car Seat Cover. It attaches to the front and back headrests while also attaching to the sides of the car. It has a mesh window on the front that allows your dog to see you while you drive without letting them walk up front by you. There are also some pockets for storing pet supplies. This product has openings so you can use a canine seat belt with it. While this option is very similar to the above product, it’s a little more affordable.
This style of car seat cover is similar to the one I use. It only covers the back seat, so it doesn’t provide a large barrier like the other two options do. However, it still has openings for dog seat belts, so you don’t have to worry about your dog reaching the front if they’re buckled in. It has large pockets for pet supplies, and it even comes with a free dog seat belt. Plus, the soft material is waterproof and can be machine washed if it gets dirty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put a Dog Car Seat in the Front Seat?
No, your dog shouldn’t sit in the front seat. Like with young children, the airbag can cause serious injuries, so it’s safest to keep dogs in the back seat whenever possible.
Are Dog Car Seat Belts Safe?
Yes, dog seat belts make car rides safer for dogs. They contain dogs so your pup doesn't go flying during sudden stops or turns. They also prevent your dog from distracting you while you drive.
Do Dog Car Seats Help with Anxiety?
Dog car seats could help with anxiety. They provide a comfortable, secure space for your dog, which could make car rides less scary for them. If your dog is overly anxious in the car, talk to your vet about if there are any supplements or medications that could help.
How Do You Get Dog Hair Out of Car Seats?
Vacuuming can get most of the dog hair out of your car, but a few stray hairs might be left behind. Fabric softener or duct tape can be used to get those loose hairs out. If your car is overly messy, I recommend having it professionally cleaned (that’s what I had to do at one point, and then I got a dog car seat cover right after).
How Do You Get Dog Pee Out of Car Seats?
Sprinkling baking soda over the area and then vacuuming it up once it’s dry can help get dog pee out of car seats. Spraying the area with a pet stain remover or a mixture of water and vinegar could also help. If you regularly have dogs in your car, I recommend having a dog car seat cover just to be safe.
Dog Car Seat Products Keep Your Pup Safe!
Dog car seats, along with other car accessories like dog seat belts and seat covers, can make traveling with your furry friend much easier. Keeping your dog confined in the car can keep them safe and prevent you from getting distracted. Plus, many places require dogs to be secured in the car by law.
So, if you don’t have a dog car seat or dog seat belt for your furry friend, now is the time to get one. It’s the best way to have safe, stress-free drives with your dogs.