As a dog owner, you want to bring your dog with you for a drive but you are concerned about your leather car seat being scratched or dirtied. You can either get a dog seat cover for your car or a dog carrier for your dog. But which is better?

There are a wide variety of dog carriers and dog seat covers available in the market. It can be a headache when you do not know which is more suitable for your dog and your car.

So, how do you decide which is more suitable for your dog and your car - a dog carrier or a dog seat cover?

The answer will depend on the size of your dog and how you will like to travel with your dog.

For big dogs like Collies, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, it's not possible to fit them in those carriers. Usually, these big dogs are put at the back seat of the car. Thus, a dog seat cover for your car's back seat is more suitable for your dog. A dog seat cover can protect your dog from falling off the car seat when you stop at the traffic lights. At the same time, the dog seat cover helps to keep your car clean from mud, dirt or grass or even your dog hair. Your leather car seat is also protected from scratches by your dog's sharp paws.

For smaller dogs like Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and other toy dogs, they are best transported using dog carriers. As they are quite small, it is safer for them in the carrier than leaving them on the back seat, even if you use dog seat covers. A dog carrier has big enough space for the smaller dogs to move around and it is big and heavy enough to stay still on the seat and not slide around.

Nowadays, dog carriers are fashionable items. But please bear in mind that functionality and comfort for your dog must come first before anything else. The dog owner must be comfortable carrying the dog carrier and the dog must be able to stretch inside comfortably. If you use a dog carrier, here's a simple tip for you: Put a soft blanket or your dog's favourite toy in the carrier. This will make it more comfortable for your dog, and it'll also help to keep your dog more calm and relaxed throughout the car journey.

Just follow these simple guidelines and you'll have no problems choosing between the right car seat cover or dog carrier for your car and your dog.