Does My Dog Need a Seatbelt?

There’s no doubt your pooch has been in the car before, whether it be rarely only to see the vet – or extremely often because you have a furry adventure buddy. No matter the case, when you think of a dog in a car, the image of a pup sticking their head out the window with their tongue in the breeze probably comes to mind. With pet travel becoming more frequent among owners, though, it’s essential to know, is that safe for Fido – and if not, what is the safest way they should be transported in a vehicle?

For Starters, Where Should Fido Be Seated?

Owners with small dogs often let their little furball plop down on their lap as they drive, and sadly its the most dangerous way to drive with your pup. If your furry friend isn’t restrained, or even worse, sitting on top of you while you’re driving – they can become a massive distraction. You never know when your canine companion might get spooked or excited out of nowhere and start moving into areas that block your sight of the road. Also, if you ever get into an accident, your four-legged friend can quickly become a projectile. On top of that, if you put your pup on the passenger side they could be injured by the airbag, so restraining them in the backseat is the safest thing for both you and your dog,

Using a Doggy Seatbelt

Getting a canine seatbelt is going to be your cheapest option when it comes to car ride safety. Some people substitute doggy seatbelts for car barriers, which is better than nothing, but won’t be of much help to your furry friend if there’s an accident. When buying a seatbelt for your pup, make sure you do a lot of research to ensure it has enough padding and is built to protect the size of your pooch. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few car restraints approved by the Center for Pet Safety.

• Sleepypod Clickit Sport – tested for dogs up to 90 pounds, comes in small, medium, large, and x-large.
• Sleepypod Clickit Terrain – tested for dogs up to 90 pounds, comes in small, medium, large, and x-large.
• ZuGoPet: The Rocketeer Pack – tested for dogs up to 25 pounds, comes in x-small, small, medium, large, x-large.

Using Your Dog’s Crate

Another option to consider when traveling with your pup is using a carrier or crate. You’ll want to ensure though that these too are safely secured in your car, so they don’t move during sharp turns or tip over. It’s also important to keep in mind that not restraining carriers only makes a more significant problem if there’s an accident. Like all their other crates should be, your pooch needs to be able to stand up and turn in a circle to ensure they’re comfortable.

Driving Safety Tips for Pet Parents

To make sure your canine companion is safe and comfortable during your rides, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• For long car rides, don’t forget to stop regularly for potty breaks and to allow your pooch stretch their legs out.
• Make sure Fido has plenty of water.
• Whenever crossing state lines, bring your pooch’s vaccination records and other documents.
• If you are planning a long trip, allow your dog to get used to car rides by taking several short drives with them before you leave.

For more tips and information on not only protecting Fido in the car but also in general, check out the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. They have an immense amount of excellent information when it comes to keeping your dog safe.