Dog Chewed Your Seat Belt? Here’s What You Need to Know

You walk back to your car after a quick stop or finish a road trip with your dog, only to discover your seat belt shredded with bite marks and torn webbing. It’s a frustrating situation many pet owners experience, especially with younger dogs or anxious travelers.

At first glance, it may seem like minor cosmetic damage. But a chewed seat belt is more than just an inconvenience; it can seriously affect your vehicle’s safety system.

Before you continue driving with a seat belt damaged by your dog, here’s what you need to know.

Why Dogs Chew Seat Belts

Dogs chew for many different reasons, and seat belts are often an easy target inside the vehicle.

Anxiety During Car Rides

Some dogs become nervous or overstimulated while traveling. Chewing can become a coping behavior, especially during long drives or when left alone in the vehicle.

Teething or Boredom

Puppies naturally chew while teething, and older dogs may chew out of boredom if they don’t have toys or distractions available during trips.

The Texture Attracts Them

Seat belt webbing has a firm but flexible texture that many dogs find satisfying to bite or pull on. Unfortunately, even a few bites can weaken the material.

Why a Chewed Seat Belt Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Seat belts are designed to handle extreme force during an accident. Once the webbing becomes frayed, torn, or partially chewed through, its strength may no longer be reliable.

Even if the belt still clicks and retracts normally, the internal fibers may already be compromised.

Small Damage Can Become a Big Safety Problem

A lot of drivers continue using a damaged seat belt because the tear looks minor. But during a collision, weakened webbing may not hold tension properly the way it was originally designed to.

It Usually Won’t Trigger a Warning Light

Unlike other vehicle safety issues, damaged seat belt webbing often won’t cause a dashboard warning light to appear. The belt may seem completely functional until it’s needed most.

DIY Seat Belt Repairs Don’t Restore Safety

Some people try stitching, gluing, taping, or covering the damaged section. Cosmetic fixes may hide the problem, but they do not restore the seat belt’s original strength or safety performance.

Signs Your Seat Belt Needs Immediate Repair

Some damage is obvious, while other issues are easier to overlook. Below is a list of some signs that your seat belt needs immediate repair.

Frayed or Torn Webbing

If the edges are unraveling or sections are ripped, the belt should be repaired immediately.

Deep Bite Marks or Missing Material

Even if the damage doesn’t go all the way through, missing fibers weaken the webbing structure.

Seat Belt Retracts Poorly

Chewed or twisted webbing can affect how the retractor pulls the belt back into place.

Locked or Twisted Belt Movement

If the seat belt suddenly feels stiff, jammed, or uneven after being chewed, internal components may also be affected.

Why Replacing a Seat Belt Can Get Expensive

Many vehicle owners are surprised at how expensive seat belt replacement can be through a dealership.

In many cases, the entire seat belt assembly is replaced instead of just repairing the damaged webbing. Depending on the make and model, costs can add up quickly,  especially if more than one seat belt was damaged.

That’s why many drivers look for professional seat belt restoration services instead of full replacement.

How To Repair Dog-Chewed Seat Belts

At MyAirbags, we specialize in restoring damaged seat belts, including webbing damaged by dogs. We recommend getting a chewed seat belt repaired rather than replaced by a professional seat belt repair service because it not only saves you money, but it also increases the safety of you and your loved ones. Below are a few reasons to trust MyAirbags, with your seat belt and webbing repair:

✓ OEM-Style Seat Belt Webbing Restoration

Our technicians replace damaged seat belt webbing using high-quality materials designed to restore both appearance and functionality.

✓ Retaining Original Components When Possible

Whenever applicable, we preserve the original seat belt hardware and components to help maintain compatibility with your vehicle.

✓ Fast Turnaround Times

We understand that being without your vehicle is inconvenient. That’s why our repair process is designed for quick turnaround and minimal downtime.

✓ Support for Most Vehicle Makes and Models

We work with a wide variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and more.

How to Prevent Dogs From Chewing Seat Belts Again

Once you repair the damage, it’s worth taking a few extra steps to prevent your dog from chewing your seat belts again.

✓ Use a Pet Travel Harness

Keeping your dog safely restrained can reduce access to seat belts while also making travel safer for everyone inside the vehicle.

✓ Bring Toys or Chews During Trips

Providing distractions can help reduce stress and boredom during longer drives.

✓ Avoid Leaving Dogs Alone in the Car

Many dogs chew due to anxiety when left unattended inside a vehicle.

✓ Use Seat Belt Covers for Protection

Protective covers may help discourage chewing while also shielding the webbing from damage.

Don’t Wait Until the Damage Gets Worse

A damaged seat belt is not something to put off for later. What starts as a few bite marks can turn into a serious safety issue if ignored.

If your dog chewed your seat belt, professional restoration may help you avoid the cost of full replacement while restoring safe functionality.

At MyAirbags, we help drivers restore damaged seat belts quickly, safely, and professionally so you can get back on the road with confidence.