Car Safety Tips For Dogs
We all know that children should always be seated properly in the backseat of a car. The same goes for our four legged friends!
The first image that comes to mind when you think of a dog riding in the car might be that classic vision of a happy dog hanging its head out the window, tongue lolling in the breeze. But, car safety is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Not only can a loose dog in the car create a distraction or physical hazard for the driver and passengers, the dog itself is at risk of becoming injured or lost in the event of a crash. So, let’s look at some ways to make car rides safer for you and your pup!
Barrier Methods
One way to keep dogs secured in the car is to use a barrier that physically contains the dog and limits their ability to move freely inside. There are a couple of common ways of doing this:
Crate or Kennel
A properly-secured crate is the gold standard for safely traveling with pets in the car. A crate allows your dog some room to move freely while still ensuring they cannot climb around in the cab. They come at different price points, from a basic wire kennel to a top-of-the line crash tested crate.
Pros:
- Easy and comfortable to use
- Keeps dog fully, reliably restrained
- Can prevent dogs from being injured or injuring others during a crash
- Can prevent dogs from running away after a crash
- Easier cleanup in the event of a potty accident or upset tummy
- Avoid any destructive behavior to the interior of the car
Cons:
- Dogs can’t always see out the window (which could actually be beneficial for nervous or reactive dogs!)
- Depending on the size of the dog, the crate may not fit in all vehicles.
Car Barrier
Car barriers are used to section off one part of the interior, creating a space where the dog can ride without giving them full access to the cab. They are a great way to separate dogs from the driver so they can’t distract them by climbing around inside a moving vehicle. They will also stop your dog from accidentally bumping into the gear shift or steering wheel.
Pros:
- Easy to use/one-time installation
- Restricts dog to one area of the car/separates physically them from driver
- Dog can move freely within a large, confined space
Cons:
- Not expected to keep your dog any safer during a crash
- Requires research to determine which barrier is compatible with the make and model of your car – may not be compatible with other vehicles or easily moved into other vehicles
- In some circumstances, dogs may be able to knock down or breach the barrier
- Does not protect car from destructive behavior or accidents
Tether Methods:
In recent years, companies have started to put extra effort into making crash-tested tethering systems for dogs in cars. A car harness or car seat can be an excellent solution to restrain your dog – the tether limits their ability to move around the car while it is in motion as well as providing more peace of mind to owners in the event of a crash.
Car Harness
Car harnesses are harnesses that are used to restrain your dog by clipping them into the seat, usually by attaching to the existing seatbelt or clipping into the buckle directly. A properly-fitted, crash-tested harness is designed to protect your dog as much as possible from injury, becoming a dangerous projectile themselves, or running away after an accident.
Pros:
- Dogs can move around within the length of the tether
- Dogs can see out the window
Cons:
- Have to take harness on and off before and after each trip
- Does not protect car from destructive behavior or messes
- Not reliably escape-proof: some devices use the existing seat-belt buckle, and dogs can accidentally (or purposely!) release the catch by stepping on the release button. Other styles can still be thwarted by escape artists who know how to slip out of the harness or chew through their tether.
Car Seat
Doggie car seats have grown in popularity, especially for smaller dogs. A dog car seat is another safety harness/tether device with a small bed or basket added. The bed can act like a booster seat, encouraging your dog to stay in that one spot and look out the window. Dogs that are more comfortable in a bed or designated place may particularly appreciate having the car seat. However, it is important to note that the main safety components of the system are still the harness and tether, so take that into consideration if you’re shopping around.
Pros:
- Dogs can move around within the seat
- Dogs can see out the window
- Can be very comfortable for some dogs
Cons:
- There is nothing tethering your dog unless you attach a harness
- Does not protect car from destructive behavior or messes
- Not escape-proof and not protective in a car accident
When planning a trip with your dog, whether you’re taking your pup out for a quick run to the store or going on a road trip – be sure to take safety into consideration: your dogs’ safety, your safety, and the safety of others on the road. A dog that is loose in the cab runs the biggest risk of all, so whichever you prefer, you should consider adopting at least one of these safety methods going forward!