The safest method for securing a dog in your car
On any given day, when driving down the road, it is not unusual to see dogs hanging their heads out of car windows, running around freely inside of vehicles, and occasionally even sitting on drivers' laps.
Even though it shouldn't take much common sense to realize that these are not secure circumstances, many dogs go unrestrained in automobiles. Why? Many people believe that if their dogs are restricted, it stresses them out.
Others believe that because their dogs can do things like hang their heads out the window, they love the ride. No matter how content the dog is with these objects, they are still unsafe. This is why:
- A stray dog might easily divert the driver's attention.
- Unrestrained dogs are capable of blocking or moving the gear shift, gas and brake pedals, and the steering wheel.
- An airbag has the potential to harm or even kill a loose dog.
- The eyes, nose, and mouth of a dog can be injured by road debris when it hangs its head out of a car window.
- Your dog may become a lethal projectile in the event of an accident or even stopping suddenly. This puts you, the other passengers in the car, other drivers, and even pedestrians at risk in addition to your dog.
- In the event of an accident, a stray dog may pose a hazard to first responders trying to save you from a wrecked vehicle. Or otherwise, your dog might run away and get lost.
Car travel for leashed pets is not risk-free, though. Traveling with no restraints at all is the most hazardous option. Your best option is to find your dog the proper restraint, which will improve his chances of surviving a car accident. Lastly, and most importantly, drive carefully!
1. Kennel or Crate
One of the safer ways to transport your dog is in a cage or kennel, providing the container is fairly robust and fixed in place. You could choose to put the crate in the cargo compartment of your SUV or other comparable vehicle.
Just be cautious to confirm that this is your car's crumple zone. If so, your dog might not fare well in the cargo area.
Most cars' back seats can usually accommodate a small or medium crate. Seek out straps or harnesses to keep the crate in place, or look for a crate designed to have a seat belt fastened to it.
Otherwise, in the event of an accident, you risk having a lethal projectile. Also bear in mind that your dog will be thrown against the crate's walls in the event of an accident, which means that injuries could still happen.
2. Auto Harness
Another one of the safer ways to restrain your dog in the car is with a car harness or seat belt. Car harnesses are built to endure the impact of a car collision yet still fit like conventional harnesses.
Find a harness that is comfortable for your dog and that can be safely fastened to the seat belts in your automobile. Pick a harness that has ideally been shown to be reliable in crash tests.
Wide straps and cushioning in the chest region will assist lessen impact injury. To limit the distance a dog is flung during an accident, the tether that connects the harness to the car's seat belts should be as short as feasible.
Before purchasing a harness, do extensive research on the brand to learn about any studies the company has undertaken.
3. Auto Seat
Similar to vehicle harnesses but made specifically for little dogs are dog car seats and booster seats. The idea is to raise the dog to a level where he can see while yet maintaining his safety.
When selecting a dog car seat, be very picky. Some only serve as modified dog beds and offer minimal protection.
Look for a seat that has a harness that the dog can attach to and that is both firmly attached to the seat belts in your automobile.
Some leashes come with harness-attachment clasps for your dog. Never attach this to your dog's neck collar because if there is an accident, your dog could be strangled.
4. Car Obstacle
A portion of the car can be blocked off with car barriers. To keep a dog in the back seats, some are put behind the front seats.
Others are positioned in SUVs behind the back seats to keep a dog in the trunk. Barriers can be soft or rigid, made of cloth or mesh, or they can be made of metal or plastic and be rigid.
Barriers' primary safety advantage is that they keep your dog away from you, reducing attention. Additionally, they might stop your dog from becoming a crash projectile.
However, a crash's impact might quickly cause the barrier to disintegrate. The dog will still be flung up against the barrier and around that part of the car, even if it remains in place. A barrier is preferable to nothing, but a harness or crate are superior.
As you can see, there are many alternatives available when selecting a suitable restraint for you, your dog, and your vehicle. Choose a restraint that will keep you and your dog safe throughout travel by taking into account what will work best for you and your pet.
