If you’re a dog owner, you probably love taking your furry friend along for car rides, whether it’s a trip to the park or a weekend adventure. But if you’re like most pet owners, you’re also concerned about the mess that can come with bringing your dog into your car. Dog hair, dirt, drool, and scratches can quickly turn your backseat into a less-than-pleasant space. Two common solutions to keep your car clean are dog backseat covers and blankets, but which one works best? dog backseat cover In this blog post, we’ll compare these two options and help you decide which is the best fit for your car and your dog.
What Are Dog Backseat Covers?
Dog backseat covers are specially designed covers made to protect your car’s seats from dirt, hair, and scratches. These covers are often waterproof, durable, and tailored to fit most car models. They typically cover the entire backseat, including the seat and the floor, offering full protection from any mess your dog might bring in. Some backseat covers are designed with side flaps to protect the sides of the seat as well.
Pros of Dog Backseat Covers:
- Full Coverage: Backseat covers usually offer more complete protection. They cover the entire seat, sides, and sometimes even the floor, offering a higher level of cleanliness.
- Durable & Waterproof: Most backseat covers are made from tough materials like polyester or canvas, often with a waterproof coating to protect against spills, drool, and accidents.
- Easy to Clean: Many backseat covers are machine washable or can be wiped down easily, making cleaning a breeze.
- Non-slip & Secure: Most covers are designed with anti-slip backing or straps to keep the cover in place, so it won’t shift around during the ride.
Cons of Dog Backseat Covers:
- Fitting Issues: Some covers may not fit perfectly in all cars, especially in smaller vehicles or larger SUVs, which could cause issues with coverage or sliding.
- Installation: While some covers are easy to install, others may require a bit more effort, especially when adjusting straps or securing the cover in place.
- Price: High-quality backseat covers can be more expensive than blankets, which could be a factor to consider.
What Are Dog Blankets?
Dog blankets are large pieces of fabric that you lay over the backseat or any part of your car that your dog uses. They come in a wide variety of materials, from simple cotton to plush fleece, and provide a soft surface for your dog to rest on during car rides. Unlike backseat covers, blankets don’t usually have straps or extra features designed to hold them in place.
Pros of Dog Blankets:
- Affordable: Blankets are typically much cheaper than specialized backseat covers.
- Comfortable: Blankets are soft and cozy, providing a comfortable space for your dog to relax.
- Easy to Remove & Store: Blankets can easily be thrown in the backseat and removed when not in use. They’re easy to fold and store.
- Multi-functional: You can use the blanket for more than just car rides—your dog can also use it at home or during travel.
Cons of Dog Blankets:
- Slips Around: Blankets don’t have straps or non-slip features, so they may shift around during the ride, which can be inconvenient.
- Limited Coverage: Most blankets cover only the seat area and may not protect the sides of the seat or floor as effectively as backseat covers.
- Not Waterproof: While some blankets may offer some water resistance, they are typically not waterproof, which means they might not protect against accidents or spills as well as backseat covers.
- Cleaning: Blankets may require more frequent washing, especially if your dog sheds a lot, or they get soiled during the ride.
Which One Keeps Your Car Cleaner?
When it comes to keeping your car cleaner, dog backseat covers generally have the edge. Here’s why:
- Comprehensive Protection: A backseat cover covers the entire area your dog touches—seat, floor, and sides. It offers more complete protection from dirt, scratches, and hair, whereas a blanket may not cover the sides or lower parts of the seat.
- Waterproofing & Durability: Backseat covers are often made from tougher, waterproof materials that can handle spills, drool, and accidents better than blankets, which may absorb liquids and stains.
- Easy Maintenance: Many backseat covers are easy to clean and maintain, especially if they are machine washable or can be wiped down. Blankets, on the other hand, might need frequent washing to keep up with the mess.
That said, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly or simpler option, a blanket can still do a good job at keeping your seats protected—especially if your dog is well-behaved and doesn’t cause much of a mess.
Conclusion: Backseat Covers for Cleanliness, Blankets for Comfort
If your main concern is keeping your car as clean as possible, especially if your dog sheds a lot or you take longer trips, dog backseat covers are likely the better choice. They offer superior protection, are more durable, and are easier to maintain than blankets. However, if you’re on a budget or looking for something more comfortable for your dog to snuggle in, a blanket could still work well for you.