Do you enjoy going out on the town with your canine? If you ever plan on taking your dog for a ride in your car with you, be sure to make prior arrangements for its safety. Perhaps you are wondering, “should my dog wear a seatbelt?” The quick answer is yes. However, the seatbelt that you use to restrain yourself won’t be enough to help your dog. A seatbelt harness is required. Let’s take a moment to discuss a few different ways you can keep your dog safe while traveling by car.
About Seatbelt Harnesses for Dogs
Seatbelt harnesses for dogs are inexpensive, comfortable for dogs, and hassle-free. Having a seatbelt harness for your dog means that it will stop your friend from being ejected from the car if you are in an accident. It will also prevent you and your dog from slamming into one another if such an incident occurs.
Also, should something happen, your dog will remain restrained so there isn’t a risk of your dog running away at the scene of an accident. You also won’t have to worry about your dog getting mixed up with the police when they arrive, as it will be safely restrained within its seat.
The Safest Option
According to the American Kennel Club, the safest way to transport your dog by car is to keep it enclosed within its own aluminum dog crate. It should be large enough for your dog to freely turn around, stand up in, and lie down comfortably. If possible, this crate should be placed on the back seat floor or trunk area. Strapping the crate down provides optimal safety.
Safety Tips for Traveling with Your Dog
- Avoid letting even your littlest dog sit or stand on your lap while you drive. It can easily become a distraction to both you and others who notice you on the roadway.
- Letting your dog ride with his head leaning out of the window can block your view while driving.
- It is risky to let your dog ride in the front passenger seat. This is because the dog becomes vulnerable to being injured by your airbag. If you must let your dog ride there, make sure it is properly restrained.
- Make sure that your dog is wearing its collar with an ID tag containing your updated contact information.
- Locking your windows and child-locking your doors may prevent an unfortunate accident while on the road with your pooch.
- Don’t let your dog ride in the back of a pickup truck. A rear collision could eject your canine out, or road debris could do them harm.
- Whether your dog is restrained or not, never leave your dog unattended in your car, particularly when the weather is hot. Doing so may cause your dog to die of heat stroke.