If you find that your dog has chewed on your brand new car seat, the first step is to assess the extent of the damage to determine what kind of repair work may be necessary. If the damage is superficial, such as a few scratches or minor tears, you might be able to fix it yourself with a car seat repair kit, available in auto supply stores. These kits often include materials for patching tears or scratches to prevent further damage.
For more extensive damage, such as deep tears or structural damage, it might be necessary to consult a professional upholsterer. They can provide a more permanent fix by restoring the seat to its original condition or as close to it as possible. While evaluating repair options, consider the cost of repairs against the cost of potentially replacing the seat altogether.
In the meantime, you should also focus on preventing future incidents. It’s important to identify why your dog chewed the seat—common reasons include stress, boredom, or teething in young dogs. Provide plenty of toys and chews to divert their attention, and ensure they have regular exercise to relieve excess energy. Training can also help, using positive reinforcement to create boundaries and inform your dog what is acceptable to chew on.
Lastly, consider using pet deterrent sprays that have a bitter taste or an unattractive smell to dogs. Spray these on areas you want to keep your dog away from, including your car seats. This could deter your pet from engaging in destructive behavior and help preserve your vehicle’s interior.
