Traveling with pets is a great part of what they do every day. From a short trip to the groomer to a cross-country journey, dogs are at their side as part of the family. They may have a second nature to secure themselves in seatbelts, but still, many pet owners don’t put the same care into securing their dogs in the car. Pet safety experts report over and over that it isn’t enough to just love your pet; you also must protect them in a car, which includes the use of some type of restraint. Also, it is not just the animal that benefits from this action, but all passengers in the vehicle, who are at a greater safety risk when an unrestrained animal is present.
Responsible pet travel is a result of awareness of what the risks are, adoption of smart practices, and use of proper safety gear. By being informed and putting in these practices, pet owners may see a great reduction in the chance of injury and also report that each ride is a calmer, more controlled affair for dogs and their human travel mates.
Why Unrestrained Dogs Are at Risk
In a word, any dog will become at risk in the event of an unexpected issue on the road. Sudden breaks, swerving, or minor accidents may turn a loose pet into a flying object. Also, many pet owners think that dogs are “good in the car,” as they may be very quiet or right by the window, but in fact, behavior that is tranquil does not protect against the physical forces that play out in an accident.
Here is what they have for unrestrained pets:
- Injury From Sudden Stops or Collisions
In the field of physics, what they see for a moving vehicle also applies to pets. They note that should a dog that is 20 kg in mass suddenly stop a car, the dog’s body may hit the dashboard, seat, or windshield several times its weight. This may cause breakage of bones, spinal injury, or internal damage.
- Driver Distraction
A dog that is pacing, whining, and climbing into the front seat will, at the worst possible time, capture the driver’s attention. They see that pets are a large-scale issue for distraction on which they also do not put enough focus.
- Airbag Hazards
Many pet owners put their dogs in the front seat, which they think is the dog’s preferred place. What they don’t realize is that the airbags they have in cars are designed for adult humans, not for animals. In low-speed accidents, airbags deploy with great force, which they transfer to the dog and may cause very serious or even fatal injuries.
- Escape Risks
In the wake of an accident or at the time of routine stops, an unrestrained dog will also break free at once as the door is opened. That may cause the dog to get hit by a car, to get lost, or to have an adverse encounter with other dangers.
Creating a Safer Travel Environment for Your Dog
Dog safety advocates report that what comes closest to zero incident reports is prevention. Also, they see that it is easy for pet owners to do simple things, which in turn greatly improve safety during any car ride.
Use a Proper Safety Restraint
A proper-fitting restraint, which keeps your dog secure, also reduces in-car distractions for you as the driver. Also, many pet parents opt for a harness, which ties in with dog safety seatbelt.
To give a secure connection between the harness and the vehicle seatbelt system. This is to keep your dog in place at all times, yet still allow them plenty of movement.
Always Pair Seatbelts With a Harness
Never fit a car safety restraint to a dog’s collar. In the event of sudden braking, the pressure may cause neck or tracheal injury. Instead, use a proper-fitting harness, which is designed to distribute force across the dog’s chest and torso.
Place Dogs in the Back Seat
In the back seat is the best place for pets, as it reduces airbag contact and also minimizes injury in front-end accidents. Also, for best results, your dog should be in a position to sit or lie down at ease, which is also within a secure restraint.
Provide a Calm, Familiar Environment
A dog that is at ease is less likely to panic, bark, or try to get out of the vehicle. Bring along a favorite blanket, a familiar toy, or a soft mat to make the space more soothing. For dogs that are new to car travel or that tend to do well with short sessions, also try short practice rides.
Maintain Comfort Without Compromising Safety
Some dog owners open the window just a bit for some clean air, which is good, but do not go so far as to open it up, which will allow the dog’s head to be out. Also, in high wind, dogs do get injured by the eye issues, and there have been reports of dogs that have jumped from moving cars when they got overstimulated or out of sorts.
Training Your Dog for Safe Car Behavior
Even with safety gear, training is key to your pet’s road security.
Teach Calm Entry and Exit
Encourage your pup to wait for a command before jumping in or out of the car. That sudden leap into a busy parking lot can be very dangerous.
Practice “Settle” Commands
Train your dog to lie still during car rides. Before going on long trips, practice this in your driveway.
Reward Good Behavior
Positive reinforcement plays a key role in making car travel a positive experience for your dog. Use treats, praise, and a lot of patience to train your dog to see the car as a safe and predictable setting.
The Bigger Picture: Responsible Pet Ownership
Pet safety is a wide-ranging issue that also includes the road, public spaces, and everyday life. They see that which they do for pets’ safety as a part of larger responsible pet ownership. As they keep dogs away from what may harm them, they, in turn, honor the fact that dogs look to them for protection.
Every step of the trip, no matter if it is short, is a chance to instill better safety practices. Secure your dog, prepare your vehicle the best you can, and work on that which makes your dog calm and collected; it makes all the difference.
Traveling with pets doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little thought and the right gear, it can be comfortable, predictable, and, to boot, very safe.
