Best Dog Car Barriers Review

Types of Dog Car Barriers: Universal VS Customisable

The question of a universal or customisable dog barrier for the car is certainly a question of cost in the first instance. Which of course does not mean that a universal dog barrier is cheap or of inferior quality. However, many manufacturers today offer customised construction and installation, with a corresponding amount of work. This additional investment naturally also has some positive aspects. The main advantage of having an individual or customised dog barrier made for you is that the gate fits 100% into your car and offers reliable safety. You have the possibility to have special wishes realised or to adjust the construction to your needs. For example, a box where additional luggage can be stored, etc. The disadvantage is that once the barrier is installed, you cannot use it for any other car model.

The universal dog barrier, on the other hand, has the advantage that it is height-adjustable and can therefore be mounted in different cars. So if you use several cars, you have better a universal dog barrier. The assembly and disassembly is very easy and does not damage your car. But pay special attention to the car headliner, which should not be scratched or punctured. The disadvantage of universal dog barriers, however, is that they do not always fit exactly into the car and can slip or wobble.

Best Dog Car Barriers Review

Car Travel Crate for Dogs

There are different types of pet carriers for dogs, which are intended for different purposes. For example, you will find some that are more suitable for transporting your dog in a car. Others are more suitable for carrying the dog in a train or plane. And there are very simple crates that make it easier to go to a vet. There are also soft-sided carriers that are foldable and lightweight. Metal or plastic crash-tested crates are the best for safe car travelling.

Types of Car Crate for Dogs

Pet Car Carrier

Basically, this is an advantage that especially small and light dogs can enjoy – unless the owner is so strong enough to carry a Labrador in such a box. For small dogs there is a large selection of different dog carrier for cars, in which you can transport the dog comfortably and conveniently.

Metal Pet Car Crate

For larger dogs crates are more suitable. The most durable are metal or aluminum, but there are also good crates, made of plastic or a combination of fabric, plastic and / or metal. In small cars, the crates for dogs can be placed on the back seat, where they can be fastened and stabilized with the safety belts of the car. In larger cars, the crate can also be installed or placed in the boot. Smaller crates for smaller dogs can also be placed in the foot well.

Best Dog Crates, Kennels & Carriers Review

Things to Consider before Buying a Dog Travel Crate

With the variety of different dog dog car crates and carriers, it may be a difficulty to choose a suitable one. This is of course a very individual matter and should be well thought out before buying in order to find the best dog car travel solutions.

• The size of the dog (there should be enough space to sit and lie down)
• Floor space and height of the crate
• The size of the trunk or back seat (if there is enough space for the dog crate)
• Possibilities to provide your dog with water in the crate (for longer journeys)
• Sufficient air circulation (especially in summer!)
• Opening sides of the box (opening and closing must be possible in the boot or directly on the back seat)

Tips:

• The size of the dog and its weight play an important role in addition to the intended use and space available. So if you are looking for a travel crate for the car, first look for sturdy metal crates and then get an overview which of them offer enough space for the size of your dog. Make sure that the crate can also withstand the weight of your dog. After that you may choose some extras like color and décor. However, these things should play a secondary role. 
• For longer journeys you should also be able to provide your dog with some fresh water and food in the crate. For heavy dogs you can also choose the one with wheels so that you do not have to carry the crate with your dog.
• If your pet experiences stress in a crate, you can also use some calming treats in advance. But here a Vet’s advice is recommended.

Best Dog Crates, Kennels & Carriers Review

Dog Cargo Covers, Seat Covers, Hammocks

Whether it is a bath in the mud puddle, the last digging adventure or just a walk in the rain, the experienced dog owner knows: if the pup has to get into the car afterwards, the next cleaning is inevitable. If you don’t feel like cleaning your car over and over again and taking care of the interior a little, it is recommended to use a dog seat cover.

Seat Covers, Cargo Covers – What is the Difference?

In contrast to a seat cover, a cargo cover is simple to place. It is used for dogs or transport goods such as leaves, building materials, etc., which can contaminate the boot. If you buy a cargo protector for your dog, I recommend a special one for dogs, because not all other covers are non-slip and waterproof. If you would like to buy such a protective cover for your car, you should think carefully beforehand whether a cargo liner like blanket is sufficient to cover the the boot. Or perhaps the one with high walls would be better, as this also protects the back of the rear seat from dirt and moisture. Since I could already gain some experience with different boot protection covers with my dog myself, I rather recommend high quality products.

Unfortunately, it happened often with us that a “great bargain” did not even last two weeks and we had to buy the next cover after that. Quality and a slightly higher price usually make difference here in any case. On the other hand, however, we should also say: if a cargo cover for the dog is loaded and used very often, it can simply not serve for10 years.

Best Seat Covers, Hammocks and Car Seat Extenders Review

Cargo Cover Design

• Waterproof. So that the moisture cannot be absorbed by the boot carpet
• Non-slip. With enough grip for a dog
• With side protection. To protect the trunk from the dirt
• With foldable bumper protection. To protect it forn scratches and mud

What To Consider Buying a Cargo Cover For Your Dog?

• Measure the size of the boot of the car (width, depth and possibly also the height to the windows). With the closer selection of the products again pay attention to the measurements and compare them with those of your own car (should not be too short)
• Pay attention to whether the manufacturer provides information on compatible car brands. Assess whether a rather thin cover is sufficient or whether it would be better for your dog to use a thicker / padded protector (for example, if there are hard corners, edges or raised areas in the boot, padding is an advantage. Also in winter)
• Pay attention to how the cover should be fixed (with tapes, glues etc. and if this is possible in your car).
• Check whether the cargo cover has or should have a foldable bumper protection (this is not the case with all products).
• The cargo cover with side wall protectors for dogs is the optimal solution.

After a few mispurchases, I am firmly convinced that a cargo cover with side wall protectors is simply the best option for dog and owner, especially for dogs that get often very dirty and then go with the car. This way you not only protect the floor of the boot, but also the side panels and the back of the back seat of your car.

Best Seat Covers, Hammocks and Car Seat Extenders Review

Dog Car Door Protector

Car Door Dog Protectors are created to save your inside car door panels from damage of all kinds, including pet hairs, dirt from paws and scratches. They are perfect for the back seat pet passengers that are eager to get some fresh air. And you can’t help but let your dog hang out the window being on the way, especially in hot summer. Durable fabric of the protector allows to keep door panels without being scratched or slobbered. Our testing has shown that K&H Pet Products Vehicle Door Protector is one of the best available on the market.

Using a Dog Ramp for Small and Larger Dogs

• For a Large Dog to jump into the trunk on its own it is necessary a lot of strength. But their joints or musculus may be damaged. Especially old large dogs are no longer able to make this jump from the ground. Here, dog owners often have to lift a large Labrador or another larger dog breed into the trunk in pairs – this is also not very healthy, because the pet is stressed and the owner also has a lot of trouble.
• If it is a Small Dog, however, it is not at all possible to jump on his own into the trunk. Pet parents always have to help and lift a dog. A dog ramp can also help here, and make it easier on the dog owner’s joints and bones. Small dogs tend to weigh much less, but even simple bending and lifting can be too strenuous or exhausting, especially for senior people.

All these situations can be avoided with a simple dog ramp or stairs. The ramp is placed against the car and the dog is gently, slowly and safely moves into the car. Most dogs get used to it automatically after a few attempts and love not having to make a jump themselves or being lifted in a cumbersome way – they see the ramp as a safe and easy ascent and do not need to be instructed after a short while.

Another common situation where dog ramps are used is the simple stairs to the front door. Many people live in an apartment or a house where the entrance has two or three small stairs. Normally these stairs are not a problem or obstacle for a healthy dog. But what about an older or sick dog? Maybe he has problems with his bones and joints,  had an operation and needs to take it easy? Or perhaps it is small dog and the dog owner cannot carry him himself at the moment. Here too, a dog ramp can be a relief and make the ascent possible.

Best Car Ramps and Stairs for Dogs

What Features to Consider When Purchasing a Dog Ramp

When buying a dog ramp there are basically not many selection criteria. Buyers can choose whether the ramp is folded or slided and also the width, length and general material can be selected. But the most important thing when buying is to choose the best size and the safest material for the dog, which also influences the weight of the dog.

Mechanism

Some dog ramps are designed in two parts and can simply be folded up. These ramps are usually relatively thick, but often shorter when they are assembled. On the other hand, if you have a longer boot and are looking for a narrow ramp, you should choose the sliding mechanism. This ramp is not folded but pushed into each other. This means that when pushed together it is thinner and often longer overall (assembled and also extended). This mechanism is also called a telescopic ramp.

Maximum weight

The second important criterion is the weight. Each manufacturer indicates the maximum weight that the dog ramp can carry. Pet parents should always adhere to this and should not calculate too “tight” even in the best case. The good thing, however, is that the ramps are constructed very stable, so that only rarely a ramp should not be suitable for the weight of the animal. Stable aluminium ramps, for example, can be loaded with a maximum 265 pounds. And a plastic ramp – the maximum weight is often around 200 pounds.

Length and width

The next criterion that buyers should consider is the length and width of the ramp. The width is primarily based on the pet. Small dogs can also walk on ramps that are very narrow. However, a large dog may not find the necessary balance here and needs a ramp that is a little wider. A width of about 15 inches is sufficient for most larger dog breeds, so that they can climb up safely. The length is less oriented to the dog, but to the general situation. The higher the object on which the dog is to climb, the longer the ramp should be, because it requires a different angle.

If the object is very low, even a short ramp can be sufficient to ensure that the ascent and descent is not so steep. However, if this shorter ramp has to be placed on a high object, the angle will be too steep and the animal may need a lot of force when climbing up and will almost walk upside down when descending. if it is a dog ramp for the car, then the ramp should be at least 3 feet long in its entire length so that the ascent and descent is not too steep. This is especially important if you are looking for a dog ramp for SUVs or other larger cars. Usually they are also higher, so if the ramp is not long enough, the angle will be even steeper.

Additional features

The most important feature of a dog ramp is the anti-slip coating. A climbing aid is only useful for the dog if he can climb up and down safely – without slipping or sliding. Actually, therefore, every good dog ramp should be provided with a non-slip coating. Lateral safety rails can also improve the feeling for the dog, as it cannot slip with its claws to the side. If the length is also infinitely variable (which is usually the case with a telescopic dog ramp), it can be used for many different applications. The last advantage is the rubber feet at the lower end, which also has to be non-slip – this ensures that the ramp remains stable when the dog runs away.

Best Car Ramps and Stairs for Dogs

Pet First Aid Travel Kit

We all are lucky if we got safe and sound from one place to another. But unfortunately not everything depends on you on the road. Even if you and your dog are well-prepared, a car accident may happen. To be be on the safe side, always keep a Pet First Aid Travel Kit along with a human one in a car.