Dog Car Safety Tips
It doesn’t matter if it’s an extended road trip or a brief drive to the dog park; it’s important to properly secure your dog within the car.
Securing your dog not only keeps him safe, but also keeps him from distracting you. This keeps you safe, too. There are countless dog car safety products on the market, though, so finding the proper one are often overwhelming. Our experts offer their advice to assist keep you and your trusty copilot safe, regardless of how long or short the drive.
3 Dog Car Safety Tips
1. Training
You may have expected this list to start out with a product sort of a dog safety belt , but extensive training is crucial. A well-trained dog will cause fewer distractions within the car, which significantly reduces the danger of an accident.
Whether your dog is frightened of car rides or gets overly excited about getting into a vehicle, start with slow, gradual training. Get him wont to getting into and out of the car, the sounds of the doors, the engine and therefore the horn.
Once he’s got that down, choose a ride round the block. Slowly increase your distance as he learns to hop right in and sit in his seat. By taking things slow, your dog will find out how to behave within the car, which helps keep you both safe.
2. Buckle Up
There are tons of products on the marketplace for dog car safety, but not all products are created equal. Do your research to make sure the merchandise you select fits your dog properly for his size.
Dog seat belts and car harnesses are two of the more popular options. They click right into the prevailing safety belt buckles in your car. These products can allow your dog some freedom to maneuver around, but keep him secure in his seat.
Although many other options are available, like harnessed dog boosters, mesh car barriers and dog hammocks, these don’t offer the safety of a dog car safety belt or belt if you create a sudden stop or are during a collision. In fact, if a number of these things aren’t properly secured, they might injure both you and your dog.
3. Be Prepared
Whether it’s a brief ride or an extended trip, confirm you’re prepared. Bring along your dog’s usual collar or harness, plus his leash.
Make sure you've got many food and water , along side a food bowl and spill-proof water bowl. You’ll want to time his feedings so he’s not traveling on a full stomach, which may cause kinetosis .
Other items to think about supported trip length include:
- Medications your dog may have
- A blanket or his dog bed
- Brush and other grooming items
- Toys and treats
- Your dog’s crate or kennel
Taking a road trip together with your dog are often a fun experience. Remember to never leave him in your vehicle, because the interior temperatures can reach life-threatening levels quickly. Learn other ways to stay your pooch cool this summer so you'll spend longer outside together.
