How to Keep Your Car Clean When You Have a Dog

The Reality of Travelling With Dogs

Dogs are the best travel companions, right up until they shake mud across your back seat, leave fur on every surface, or scratch your upholstery with excited paws. If you travel with your dog regularly, a bit of preparation goes a long way toward keeping your car clean and your dog safe.

Start With a Car Seat Cover

A waterproof pet seat cover is the single most effective upgrade you can make. It protects your upholstery from dirt, fur, scratches, and moisture all at once. Look for:

• Waterproof material: Repels mud, drool, and wet fur so nothing soaks through to your seats.
• Scratch resistance: Especially important for dogs that get excited and paw at the seat.
• Mesh window: Lets your dog see and interact with you from the back seat without being able to jump forward.
• Non-slip backing: Keeps the cover in place even during turns and sudden stops.
• Easy to clean: A cover you can wipe down or toss in the wash makes a huge difference.

Control the Fur

Even with a seat cover, fur gets everywhere. A few habits help:

• Brush your dog before car trips to remove loose fur before it sheds everywhere. Our deshedding routine guide walks through how to do it properly.
• Keep a lint roller or reusable pet hair remover brush in your glove compartment for quick clean-ups.
• Vacuum your car regularly, paying extra attention to seat creases and floor mats where fur collects.

Keep Paws Clean Before They Get In

Muddy paws are the number one source of car mess. A quick wipe with a paw cleaner cup or damp towel before your dog jumps in saves a lot of cleaning later. Keep one in your trunk for post-adventure clean-up, and see our full guide to cleaning your dog's paws after a walk.

Pack a Dog Travel Kit

For longer trips, a small travel kit makes everything easier: a collapsible water bowl, waste bags, a towel, and a few treats. Our walks and travel collection has most of it in one place, including a 3-in-1 travel water bottle. Staying organized means less mess and a happier dog.

Safety First

A loose dog in a moving car is a safety hazard for both the dog and the driver. A seat cover with a built-in mesh window keeps your dog contained in the back seat, reducing distractions and keeping everyone safer on the road. A well-fitted harness helps at either end of the trip too.

The Wagbase Waterproof Pet Car Seat Cover has you covered: scratch-resistant, waterproof, and with a mesh window so your dog stays comfortable and contained on every trip.