Dogs are beloved companions for many families. Their playful nature can unintentionally cause damage to your vehicle. Such incidents can affect your car’s aesthetic appeal and its resale value. Whether you are a dog parent or park your vehicle in areas frequented by dogs, it’s important to understand how to protect car from dogs to maintain its value.
From scuffs caused by excited paws to potential accidents involving curious canines, this blog explores practical solutions on how to protect car doors from dog scratches.
Ways of protecting your car from dogs
Here are some effective tips on how to protect car from dog scratches and other forms of damage:
Install physical barriers
- Install transparent protective films or scratch guards on door panels to prevent minor to deep scratches. Adhesive-based or magnetic door guards are recommended.
- Invest in thick and durable seat covers, cargo liners, and floor mats designed to withstand pet hair, dog poop and pee, along with scratching, biting and tearing. Make sure they are water and dust-resistant.
- For SUVs and hatchbacks, install travel crates or physical barriers to keep your dog safe, secure and confined to a specific area inside the car.
Train your dog
- Teach your dog affirmative commands like “stay,” “sit,” and “off” to enter and exit the car calmly without scraping doors or jumping against windows.
- Use positive reinforcement training tactics, such as treats, patting on the head and calming commands, to help them listen and respond instead of listening and reacting.
Use protective products
- Consider adding tinted windows to reduce visibility, which may decrease territorial barking at passing dogs.
- Use pet-safe repellents with natural scents like citrus and vinegar around your car to discourage stray dogs from approaching.
- Install motion-activated lights and alarms near your parking space or car to startle and discourage dogs.
Other strategies
- Regularly relocate your car to disrupt familiarity for street dogs.
- Park in an elevated and closed location to make it more difficult for dogs to reach your vehicle.
Conclusion
These important steps can save you from costly repairs. Beyond these preventive measures, it’s prudent to consider your insurance options, such as comprehensive car insurance policies that cover animal-related damage.
Third party car insurance is not only mandatory in India but also covers financial and legal liabilities against unforeseen accidents. Insurance will give additional peace of mind to those who encounter dogs frequently.
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