Dogs have a limited attention span and a Dog seat cover can help keep them occupied, making it less likely that they’ll jump up onto the front seat or cause an accident. It also helps to protect the front seat from scratches, muddy paws, and hair that can get on the upholstery.

When selecting a dog car seat cover, look for one that is made from durable fabric and has openings for the headrest and seat belt straps. Ideally, it will also be free of heavy metals and AZO dyes. Those dyes are often used in clothing and furniture to make them safer for people, but they can be absorbed through the skin and cause dermatitis in dogs.

Dog Seat Cover: Protect Your Car While Traveling with Pets

You’ll want to choose a seat cover that is easy to clean. Most can be wiped down, but some need to be machine washed or dry cleaned. Check the product manual for washing instructions, as they will vary by brand and design.

During our tests, we tested several different styles of dog seat covers, including hammocks, bucket-style covers, and bench covers. We found that a hammock style cover like the Owley’s pet hammock is best for keeping dogs from jumping into the front seat and damaging the upholstery. It has a protective bottom layer, soft padding, and sidewalls to help prevent damage from a dog’s nails and paws.

If you prefer a bucket-style or bench seat cover, make sure it’s made from sturdy fabric that’s comfortable for your dog to lie on and can be easily wiped down. We recommend avoiding those made from neoprene, as dog hair tends to stick to it and is harder to wipe off.