Four by paw! The car designed for dogs
HOWEVER much you love your dog, he becomes slightly less loveable after a walk when he’s dripping wet, covered in mud – and about to get into your car.
But one car manufacturer has come up with a pooch-proof vehicle, featuring an array of ingenious accessories to make mucky walkies less of an ordeal.
The Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs includes such doggy delights as a shower, hairdrier, non-spill water bowl, treat dispenser and safety harnesses.
It even has a TV screen and speakers in the boot, linked to a camera and microphone on the dashboard so your pet can see and hear you as you drive.
The system works both ways, so you can watch your dog and talk to it from the driver’s seat, too.
The idea came from a survey of Kennel Club members, which found that 90 per cent of them wanted a car that was more dog friendly.
Nissan say the prototype’s main feature is the leather-lined boot, kitted out
‘This is a great concept’
for two dogs, that can easily be wiped down. The shower hose comes in the form of a hoop that can be passed over your dog’s legs, body and head, washing all around at the same time, and it even has a blower attachment to dry them off using warm air.
Vet Rachel Homeny said: ‘In particular, the wash and dry functionality allows dogs to be dogs, so owners don’t need to worry about messing up the car interior. This is a great concept that caters to the needs of man’s best friend.’
During journeys, dogs can keep themselves supplied with snacks using the treat dispenser, which they can activate themselves by pressing a pad.
Under the rear compartment is also an extendable ramp for small dogs that can’t make the jump from the ground to the boot – or for bigger ones too tired to do it after a strenuous walk.
For comfort there are dog beds and for safety, clip-on harnesses.
Side compartments store leads, treats and waste bags and there is a dog guard above the rear seats.
Ryan Gains, from Nissan, said: ‘For their owners, dogs are a key part of the family.
‘Ensuring their pet’s needs are catered for is often just as important as making sure the children are comfortable and happy.’