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LIFE WITH YOUR DOG
Secure Dogs for Safe Car Travel

Most drivers understand the importance of properly securing children in age-appropriate car seats and buckling themselves up with seat belts as a safety precaution. But few properly restrain their dogs in the car, despite many pets being considered extended members of the family.

During a sudden stop or collision, an unrestrained dog can become a projectile inside of the vehicle. That means in addition to potential injury to the dog, the driver may also be injured from an airborne animal.

Properly securing a pooch can be done in a number of ways. The first is to load the pet into a crate. However, the crate is only safe if it itself is buckled down within the car; an animal can be injured in a crate sliding to and fro in the back of a car.

Another method of restraint is to use a dog harness that is specifically made for car travel. It will keep the dog in a sitting position or may allow for the pet to lie down. However, the slack will be tight enough to prevent the dog from being thrown in the event of an abrupt stop. For those who do not want to purchase a separate harness, simply looping a leash around a lap belt tightened to offer the least amount of slack may also create a similar restraining effect.

For drivers of larger cars or SUVs, a mesh or wire grate that restricts the dog to the back of the car may be useful. While it will not completely prevent the animal from being thrown in the event of a stop or crash, it will keep the dog out of the front seat where the driver can still safely maneuver. This may be a good option for owners of dogs who are nervous and try to jump into the front seat.

In addition to securing a dog for travel, there are also other safety precautions one can take to maximize comfort for the pet.

1. Be sure to keep the dog leashed when entering and exiting him from the car. This will prevent injury from oncoming traffic and limit the chance of the animal running off.
   
   
2. Do not allow dogs or other pets to ride in the front seat, or worse, on the driver's lap. The pet can inhibit driving and may even fall to the floor under the gas or brake pedal.
   
   
3. Reassure a nervous pet frequently. Praise a dog for good behavior. This will slowly train the dog to be a better passenger.
   
   
4. Take a dog on frequent short trips in the car to acclimate him to the vehicle if he tends to be hesitant. Simply putting him in there for trips to the vet or groomer where it is often stressful for the pet may create a negative association to car trips.
   
   
5. Pack along ice chips or cubes that the dog can munch on during trips. This will satiate thirst and is less messy than a bowl of water.
   
   
6. Bring along towels, cleaning supplies, and plastic bags in the event that the dog becomes carsick.
   
   
7. During long trips, make a pit stop and take a walk every two or three hours.
   
   
8. Keep the windows rolled up high enough so the dog cannot squeeze out. Dogs have an uncanny way of getting out of even the tightest spots. Plus, it is not good for the dog to ride with his head out the window. Road dust and debris can fly into the eyes and ears.
   
   
9. Don't leave the dog in the car unattended for an extended period of time. He may become nervous or overheat even if it doesn't seem that warm outside. If you must leave the dog for a short time, take off his leash so that he cannot get tangled and suffocate.

By heeding these safety precautions drivers can ensure that road trips with their dogs are enjoyable for human and canine alike.

Source: Metro Creative

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