How do I protect my leather car seats from the sun?
Leather seat covers specifically designed for cars are more resistant to sun damage. You can install a tint in your windshield and windows to protect your leather from direct sunlight. Another option is to use car sun shields. Always park your car under a shade if possible to lessen the exposure.
Leather Car Seat Cover
Using a leather car seat cover is a great way to protect the leather car seat from dogs. Leather car seat covers can simply be bought and fixed. All it takes it to attach it’s ends to each car seat headrests and you’re good to go.
They come in different forms but the most functional one I have found is the hammock style seat covers that protects the entire back of your car while giving you enough view and access to your dog when you want to pet him or her.
There are also leather car seat covers that are made for the front seat. This is awesome if you prefer having your do to your side rather than your back seat.
Your dog can slobber all over as it wants, scratch away, shed it’s fur as much as possible, and throw all of its weight all in excitement for your road trips to family houses, daycare, vets, etc and your car leather seat won’t be affected the slightest.
Leather car seat covers gives leather car seats the optimum protection from all kinds of mess your dog might inflict on your leather car seats.
Are Cloth or Leather Car Seats Better for Dogs?
If you are thinking of modifying your vehicle’s interior to make it more suitable for your dog, then cloth and leather seats are the best prospects to consider. Leather proves to be superior to cloth for various reasons, primarily regarding cleaning and maintenance.
However, cloth car seats also hold significant advantages over their counterparts as they are cheaper and feature a less complicated installation process. This section discusses the main differences between these two and why leather car seats are more compatible with your dog.
Price is a significant determinant in almost every purchasing decision. How much you are willing to spend on the makeover will significantly affect which of the two options you will select; one is cheaper than the other. Generally, leather costs more to buy and install compared to cloth because of its superior features. Other factors contributing to the high price include the complicated process of obtaining the material and its labor-intensive and time-consuming manufacturing process.
Cloth seats are available and come with a less expensive price tag, making them an ideal option for those on a tight budget. Although this material is not as durable and easy to clean as its counterpart, it still holds significant advantages. Cloth car seats are available in various colors and prints, proving easier for customization and personalization.
Cleaning and maintenance routines are also significant considerations when deciding between leather and cloth seats. Every time your dog enters your vehicle, there is a considerable possibility of dirtying or damaging your seat fabrics. Leather seats feature a more superficial cleaning and maintenance routine than clothes because of their texture and make. Cleaning dog poop, pee, and puke is as easy as wiping the seats off with a wet cloth, while tougher stains require a leather cleaner.
On the other hand, cloth leather seats require more maintenance since they easily stain, tear, and shed, especially from contact with your dogs’ nails. Its nature is porous, meaning that if your dog vomits or pees, the waste will soak into the cushions. It will help if you trim your pets’ nails and potty train them before welcoming them on your cloth-covered seats.
Resistance to scratches is also a significant consideration when comparing leather to cloth. Your dog will need to feel as much resistance from the seat covers on its fur, while the surfaces need to survive the stress put on it by the dog’s fur. Leather seats are the ideal option, as they are more resistant to frequent scratching, chewing, and clawing from small dogs. Heavy dogs can be a nuisance since they might leave deep scratches and dents on your leather’s surface.
Cloth seats are ideally resistant to nail scratches since their surface is rough, while some feature a rugged design. The quality of the cloth is the primary determinant of how resistant each material is. The most scratch-resistant cloth variant is canvas; it is highly resistant to stains, liquids, and scratch marks.
Every pet owner will want to select a car seat cover that will prove comfortable for their pet. Between cloth and leather car seats, the former is more comfortable than the latter. Comfort revolves around different angles, including how hot, breathable, and cold it might get when at low temperatures. Leather seats are extremely uncomfortable when it gets hot, and your dog might not enjoy car rides during the summer.
Cloth covers are superior when it comes to comfort for your pet. They adapt better to every weather condition; when it is hot, they are relatively cool while they remain warm on cool days. Vets recommend cloth seats for dogs primarily for this reason; comfort is assured regardless of the season.
Safety should also feature among the primary considerations when comparing cloth or leather car seats for your dog. Leather features a stain and water-resistant, finished surface that brings out a slippery feel which may be risky for your pet. Its nature increases the chances of your dog falling off of the seat while entering or while braking.
The texture present on the surface of cloth car seats is adequate to prevent slipping. Also, you don’t have to worry about the seats losing shape after being sat on for an extended period; they will spring back to their original foam every time.
Car Leather Care: The 3 Biggest Mistakes you make
Do you like to take your dog to the lake or the dog park in the summer? What about hunting in the fall? Or a quick trip to the groomer? If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, then your vehicle is at risk of pet damage.
Dogs and cats can really do a number on a car’s interior, and they can even scratch your exterior paint. We see vehicles come into the shop all the time with muddy pawprints, nose-smudged windows, and even scratched and torn upholstery. To protect your car this summer and fall, try these three pet proofing methods.
1. Limit their access. Your pet can only damage the parts of your vehicle they can reach, so consider transporting them in a crate, investing in a gate to separate the trunk of your SUV from the seats, or buying a seatbelt harness that will keep them in place while also acting as a safety feature. (Sleepypod, Kurgo, and Vastar are good options.)
2. Cover your seats. Whether your pet rides in the front seat or the back, there’s a cover out there designed to protect your seats from scratches, dirt, and debris! For the back seat, we recommend a car hammock, which completely covers the seat and will also prevent your pet from jumping up front. (BarksBar makes a great one for just $27.) You can also buy a single-seat cover if your pet rides as a passenger. These covers slot right over the existing seat. Either way, be sure to look for something waterproof.
3. Invest in scratch solutions. You dont want your pets nails to leave gouges in your paint or your set. To prevent the former, consider buying a ramp that will help them get in and out of your car. That way, they won’t leap or scramble into place and scratch your paint in the process. You can also try nail caps, which stick to your pets’ claws and can last for weeks. Soft Claws sells options in several sizes for dogs and cats.