Some pups are not too calm when it comes to a car ride.  Unfortunately for you, your pooch may leave behind signs of his anxiety on your vehicle’s interior.  If you have a pet that can’t hold it while he’s riding, then there are a few things you can do to help him cope and hopefully save your vehicle.  Making sure your dog is ready for the ride can be extremely helpful, but sometimes you have to go beyond mere preparation.  It may take some time, but you can build up to a mess-free car ride.

The first tip is definitely the most obvious:  make sure your pet has done his business before you allow him to get inside your vehicle.  There is no reason for you to take your pooch directly from your home to your car.  Many owners make the mistake of giving their pets only a few moments outdoors before throwing them in the vehicle, thinking that if the dog needed to go then he already would have.  You should give him a good ten or fifteen minutes to run around the yard, sniff things out, and hopefully relieve himself. 

Another reason a dog may eliminate inside your car is because he just has to go.  Maybe he did not relieve himself while you were at home.  How long has it been since he has been fed?  A dog may need to do his business anywhere from an hour to two hours or so after eating.  If you fed him before you left home, then you need to make sure you take a potty break, especially if you are going on a long trip.  If he starts whining or circling the vehicle, then take a second to pull over and give him a break.  If your dog eliminates inside your car, then it is important that you clean it up immediately.  Use stain and odor removers to prevent your pet from searching out the same spot again. 

If he did his business before he got into the vehicle and did it again during the short ride, then he may have an anxiety problem.  Watch how he acts when you place him into the vehicle.  If he seems frightened or nervous, then you may have to take some time to get him accustomed to his new surroundings.  Desensitizing him to the vehicle is a fairly easy process, but it can take awhile.  Start by letting him sniff around the car, giving him plenty of time to check things out.  Then, weather permitting, place him in the car with the engine off.  Sit in the driver’s seat, while he checks out the back area.  It’s a good idea to throw a couple of familiar things in the vehicle with the dog.  For instance, lay his favorite bedding over the seat and throw in a toy.  This will help him associate the vehicle with his home.  Gradually increase his time in the car while adding other elements, such as turning the engine on, driving around the block, taking a trip to the dog park, etc.  There is no reason for a dog that is not used to riding in the car to take a long trip right off the bat.  Take time to get him adjusted to the ride. 

If you have tried everything imaginable and you still can’t seem to stop your pet from using your car as a toilet, then it’s up to you to dog proof your vehicle.  Start by covering the seats with a seat protector.  You can find covers and hammocks that dogs love!  If you keep your pooch in the cargo area, then look for a durable lining that protects the area.  Now, consider confining your pet to a crate while he is riding with you.  You may like for your dog to roam free in the vehicle, but sometimes a crate is necessary.  Make the crate familiar to him by adding recognizable bedding and toys.  Make sure you let your pet out of the crate to get some water and stretch his legs at least every two hours.

There are several reasons why your dog may do his business in your car.  It’s up to you to figure out why.  Often, allowing extra potty breaks can halt the mess.  Sometimes, though, the mess is made out of fear or anxiety.  In these cases, you must get your pooch accustomed to your vehicle before you take him on a trip.  Don’t give up; you may have to try several methods before you find one that works for you.

This article was written and provided by the authors at pet-super-store.com. Visit their website to find great pet products including: dog houses, dog carriers and dog gates.