Top Car Safety Restraint Tips for Dogs
You want to keep your pup safe while driving as a dog owner. Whether it's a day at the dog park or a weeklong vacation with family and friends, you should take safety precautions for your dog on these trips. Many things can go wrong behind the wheel, from distractions like other vehicles to your dog bouncing around the back seat to an instance of driver error.
Although pet parents consider their pets family, only 16% use car restraints when driving with their dog, even on a long road trip. Keeping your dog safe while you drive can be challenging, but we have some restraint tips that can make traveling with your dog by car easy and secure.
How to safely secure your dog during a car ride.
The best way to protect your dog during car travel is by restraining them in the cabin, either with an appropriate harness and seat belt or a secure carrier. A recent study found that when unrestrained in a car traveling at 35 mph (56 km/h), a 60-pound dog becomes a 2700-pound projectile. An object of that size at that speed can cause considerable damage to the driver and the dog.
Having your pet in the car with you while driving can be dangerous. Not only is it distracting, but an unsecured canine could also cause accidents or injuries to other drivers. In some states, driving with an unrestrained dog in a vehicle is illegal. Even worse, if you let your dog sit in your lap or the front seat or passenger seats, you create a blind spot for yourself and risk your dog's life. Additionally, deployed airbags can severely injure or kill dogs in a crash. Airbags are crash tested for people, not pets; therefore, they are meant to save humans, not companion animals.
Here are some of the best pet safety products and car restraints for the safest ride possible …
1. Travel crates and kennels
One way to keep your dog safe while driving is using a hard-sided kennel or travel crate. It should have plenty of space for them to turn around and lie down, as well as lots of ventilation to stay comfortable during the trip. Consider adding soft bedding to the bottom of the crate for more safety and comfort.
Crates and kennels are great travel restraint solutions that protect dogs from flying objects and restrict movement so dogs can't hurt themselves by bouncing around and striking the inside of the car. Suppose you need to stop suddenly or become involved in a high-speed crash. In that case, your dog will likely suffer significant injuries.
An appropriate, travel-approved, and tested kennel will keep your dog safe when these common scenarios occur. Additionally, a kennel with a securely latched door will stop your dog from escaping and suffering a severe injury in case of an accident.
Kennels and crates aren't just for small to medium-sized dogs. Larger dogs should also be in a crate during car rides. The larger the dog, the more damage can happen to an unrestrained, 90-plus pound canine during a moving vehicle accident or a quick stop.
2. Safety harnesses and seat belts
There are various seat belts and harnesses for your dog to wear on the road. No matter how small or big your dog is, there is a safety harness or belt out there that will fit him. When used properly, these restraints securely fasten the dog to his designated seatbelt or safety strap.
The safety harness includes an attachment point at the back or other connecting component that you can place firmly in your car's seat belt holder. Connect this part of the dog harness to its corresponding slot, and your canine is secure and stationary for the road trip.
Another safety product is a canine seat belt. These seat belts are designed for any vehicle, from small cars to buses and trucks. The canine seat belt should have wide straps or padded chest pieces so your dog is kept in place but not subjected to cheap, uncomfortable materials. The belt's tether should be short enough to prevent your dog from moving forward too much in case of an accident or sudden stop. For some dogs, a stationary restraint may even help limit motion sickness.
3. Booster seats
A booster seat is a great way to keep your small dog safe while traveling in a car. Look for a car seat or booster seat that connects with a canine seat belt and has an additional harness. Then, these safety restraints can securely keep your pup in place in case of sudden jerks or movements associated with car travel. Thus, a booster seat is essentially a harness and seat belt combination but specifically made for small dogs.
Smaller dogs are much easier to be thrown about a car or fall out of the vehicle. A booster seat ensures that your dog stays securely attached and adequately restrained while traveling with you.
4. Back seat barrier and back seat hammock
Canine barriers are designed to protect you and your pup from collision injuries. This safety product can be used as an extended barrier between the front and back seats or the back seats and cargo area. Some barriers are attached to a hammock which provides a more comfortable seat and protects your car seats against dirt, mud, and the usual wear-and-tear from a dog's claws.
The barrier is designed to prevent dogs from distracting the driver with or without a hammock. It also stops dogs from being launched forward toward the front seats and windshield in an accident. Remember, although a barrier is a level of protection for your dog, it won't stop your pup from being tossed around the car. He can still strike his head or be ejected from side car windows or doors.
What's the best car safety restraint for dogs?
The best canine car safety solution is a crate, harness, or seat belt in addition to the barrier, with or without the hammock. Even well-behaved dogs require these additional precautions when riding with you in your vehicle.
Pet parents should have pet safety at the top of their priority list when preparing for a road trip. Dogs love to go with their owners wherever and whenever possible, on a long or short trips. Take these steps to keep your pet safe and ensure an enjoyable trip for you and your furry friend.
