Taking pets in the car .. saving the seats?

[frugal-one]

Wondering how others keep their seats clean when having pets riding in the car. We have a large black lab that dominates the back seat. We have just thrown an old blanket for him to sprawl out on and to keep the seats from mud when it rains. Wondering if there is a better way??

[goldensmom]

Bergan seat cover.
http://www.bergandirectdelivery.com/seat-protectors/mid-large-bench-seat-protector

[Gardenarian]

We keep our dogs in a soft sided crate. It fits tightly in the seat and belts in, so they will also be safer in case of accident (as well as keeping mud, hair etc. off the seats.)
Which reminds me that I really need to clean my car...

[catherine]

We go to the dog park very frequently. There's a pond there and my dog loves to swim, so you can imagine the beating our back seat takes! I keep a sheet on my back seat (which works marginally well). DH folds down his back seat, which is a great idea because at least the seat is usable at a moment's notice.

I do have car seat covers on my front seats which is great because then I just take them off and wash them.

[rodeosweetheart]

We crate our dogs in the car now. One crate per dog. We could get the Cairn and the Pyr in their crates in the back of a hatchback Yaris, so it does not take up too much room.

We find they travel much more happily, more secure, and of course dirt is contained, too. Safer in accident.

Plus the Pyr ate all the back seatbelts, Toyota quoted 750 to replace. Luckily, we found a slightly cheaper place--but still, around 400 dollars to replace them.

[larknm]

With four dogs 3 of them big, one middle size, we fold down back seatback on one side and cover the riding space with small rugs from Lowe's. It keeps our seats from getting destroyed. The seat where the back isn't folded down is to allow the old dogs to climb in without help, so far. I got these ideas from a guy who sells used cars.

[Teacher Terry]

WE have small dogs so they ride in doggie car seats that are belted in. They have to wear harnesses because with a collar they would get their necks hurt or snapped in an accident. They can also look out the windows. Can you say spoiled?:|(

[ctg492]

Oh goodness, would it seem bad to say I gave up on dog hair in my car. I was a car clean freak, blankets on seats, vacuumed when they hopped out. Now my three large Gypsy-etts as I call them are in the car back and forth tn-mi each week and In between.
So I use blankets. Window screens and they have a basket with water bottles, treats, leashes. Also all shot records I carry in the basket. The trunk has a days supply of food just incase.

[frugal-one]

Decided to buy this today... and it is already on the way. Looks nice and should work nicely.

http://www.chewy.com/dog/solvit-waterproof-sta-put-hammock/dp/53696

[razz]

Decided to buy this today... and it is already on the way. Looks nice and should work nicely.

http://www.chewy.com/dog/solvit-waterproof-sta-put-hammock/dp/53696

Let us know how it works out for you. Inquiring minds wish to know.

[ctg492]

I should get that too.

[Spartana]

Back when I had 2 large dogs and a small 4-door sedan (Hyundai Accent) I would stuff the rear seat leg areas with sleeping bags and cushions so it was even with both the front and rear seats. Then I'd cover that expanded rear space (and the back of he rear seat) with a water proof dog seat cover and over that a fleece blanket that I'd tuck it into everything. Then I generally only had to wash the fleece blanket and leave everything else as is. Easy. Gave the dogs more room and I didn't have to worry about them toppling off into the open leg spaces if I stopped fast. With a small dog now (and driving a truck with an extra cab) I just use a booster seat on the front seat if I'm alone. If I'm with someone, I have her ride on the elevated and be-cushioned/fleece blanket covered wood platform I made between the 2 jump seats on the truck. She has the whole back to herself with a 360 degree view!

My water proof seat cover is kind of like your Solvit hammock but without the hammock part. Just wraps around the seat. I got that instead of the hammock because that way my dogs could look out the front window and "hang" with the front seat passengers without obstruction. I have a Solvit booster seat for my dog now and it works great.

http://www.petco.com/assets/product_images/8/891293000668C.jpg