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There’s nothing more classic than the image of a dog sticking his head out the window of a car or looking out from the edge of a truck, his ears and tongue flapping in the breeze. Or perhaps yours is the cuddling type and prefers being perched on your lap while you're drivig. Regardless of preference, the fact is you’re putting your dog and yourself at risk.
Parents are warned never to drive unless their children are safely buckled in. And during an accident, an unrestrained pet can also be thrown with extreme force, causing injury to the pet and the other occupants of the car. Also, the National Institute of Highway Safety suggests that pets distracting their owners are responsible for about one-fourth of all distraction-based car accidents.
That may be enough of an incentive to put your dog in a car restraint when you travel.
With the many variety of seats, boosters and restraints available on the market today, consider the following suggestions made by the Whole Dog Journal.
To start with, the dog car restraint you choose should be designed for the size and weight of your dog. Many of the dog seat belts are designed to accommodate the average size dog and would not be a suitable restraint for a toy or smaller dog. And a seat or booster that would be intended for the small dog breeds and would not be a correct fit for medium to larger dogs. Carefully read the label, take into consideration your pet’s breed and the type of car you drive, and ask your veterinarian for advice if you still can’t decide.
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Comfort is something you’ll want to consider along with safety. Make sure the belt fits snug enough to secure your dog but also to allow him enough comfort so he won’t fight you every time you get into the car.
Many dogs that tend to get car-sick do well in the more secure restraints, like harnesses and crates. Vets often recommend them for this complaint.
Try doing a little training with doggie treats, and your pooch might consider it worth it to get strapped in. Make sure you know how it works beforehand so you can quickly get it hooked up while your pet is distracted with a new toy or treat.
The website Carseats Reviews has advice on car seats for both children and pets. Here is basic rundown on the types of restraints that can be found at your local pet store, with many priced at under $40:
Dog seat belt harnesses are the safest bet and can be fastened firmly into the car, according to the website Canine Auto. Most vehicle dog seat belt harnesses have an added safety feature that distributes the force of impact to the stronger areas of your dog’s body. Don’t think that the regular dog harnesses that you would normally use to take your dog for a walk can be used for this purpose.
Dog crates have an upside: They can easily be carried in the rear of wagons, mini vans or SUVs and keep your dog from jumping around the car and possibly interfering with you while you operate your vehicle. In the unfortunate event of a collision, however, you may want to consider some extra padding. Don’t forget that for complete safety with this type of dog car restraint, you must securely fasten the dog crate to the vehicle with adequate strapping so that the crate does not open or come apart on impact.
Hammock-style dog carriers are a great option if you want to keep pet hair and dirt off of your car’s upholstery.
Screens can section off a particular part of your vehicle and work well in trucks. They do not secure against movement or being thrown from the car. Also be aware of what else is being stored along with your pet. Loose items can be thrown and injure your pet.
Wheel-aways are easy-to-pull soft carriers that can convert into car seats, backpacks or even beds. Many are approved as airline carry-ons. They usually have mesh sides as well for your pet’s viewing pleasure.
Whatever you decide, remember that your pet depends upon you for its well-being. And while only a few states have made pet restraints the law, the real issue at hand is that for only a few dollars, you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your pet is protected when traveling by car.
Kim has written for magazines like LDSLiving, the Washington Family, Back Home, Parents & Kids and Natural Life. She has two novels with Covenant Communications. Visit her at www.kcgrant.com.
