Keeping Your Canine Friend Safe in Your Vehicle

As man’s (and woman’s) best friend, it makes sense that our dogs would want to accompany us on every adventure. Whether you are headed to the corner store or on a cross-country road trip, most canine companions are eager for the trip. However, cars were not designed with the safety of our dogs in mind. In this blog, we look at some of the various ways to keep you and your pup safe on the road during your travels.

Safe and Secure

By buckling your seatbelt, you know that you are protecting yourself in the event of a motor vehicle accident… but what about your dog? There are a number of well-tested canine safety products on the market that allow you to keep your dog securely in the back seat or cargo area (It is not recommended that you allow your dog to ride in the front seat, because the airbags can cause significant injury or even death when they deploy). 

Safety Harnesses are among the most popular dog travel accessories. They allow you to use your car’s seat belt to buckle your dog into the car. One of our favorites is the Kurgo Vehicle Harness; Kurgo has done extensive crash testing research to ensure the safety of a dog in the event that a crash happens. The padded chest also keeps your dog comfortable if they pull against the harness. Many dog owners appreciate safety harnesses because they can transition from the car to their outdoor adventures, simply by unclipping their dog from the seat belt. You can also pair your existing harness with a seatbelt tether, such as the Petmate Seatbelt Loop Tether, to make it safe for travel purposes.

Some dogs may not be candidates for safety harnesses, and, for those dogs, there are additional options. For example, older dogs that struggle to get comfortable and dogs that like to lie down in the car may benefit from a seat hammock, like the Solvit Waterproof Hammock Seat Cover. These heavy-duty hammocks allow your dog to move around, while still regulating them to the back seat. They also prevent your pooch from tumbling onto the floor or into the front seat if you need to quickly hit the brakes. It is important to note that seat hammocks are best for relaxed dogs who understand the rules of the road since a determined dog can still jump into the front seat. As an added benefit, seat hammocks also protect your car’s upholstery from the inevitable dog hair.

Many small, anxious puppies and toy breeds get nervous when they cannot see where they are headed. Solve this with a canine booster seat, such as the K & H Hangin’ Bucket Booster Seat for Toy Breeds. This gives your dog a raised vantage point and a cozy location to curl up in. For optimal safety, pair the booster seat with a safety harness.

Larger dogs may prefer to ride in the cargo space of an SUV or station wagon. This allows them to spread out and get comfortable for the duration of the ride. This location also lets them see out of the rear window, which many curious dogs enjoy. A dog guard prevents your dog from entering the back seat, other dog owners utilize a crate, such as the Pet Lodge Double Door Wire Dog Crate, for additional security. 

If you drive a pick-up truck, make sure your dog is inside the truck cab; the truck bed should not be an option for dog transportation. In fact, many states have made transporting your dog in the bed of the truck illegal due to the danger to the dog. The bed offers no shelter from the elements and your dog has no protection from projectiles. Furthermore, in the event of a crash, a dog has no safety equipment to keep him in the truck bed. It has also been shown that leashes tied to the back of the truck bed cause increased risk for strangulation, but do not protect the dog in any way. So, please, for your dog’s safety, allow your dog to ride inside the truck with you. For those with crew cabs, refer to your owner’s manual to turn off the airbags as an additional precaution.

Focus on the Road

While many dogs may think that they rule the roost, it is absolutely imperative that you emphasize safety when you are in the car or truck together. Tethering your dog does more than keep him or her safe, it keeps them out of your personal space and allows you to keep your eyes on the road at all times. Make sure, even if you are only headed on a quick errand, that you travel with your dog buckled in or secured in the back seat or cargo area. It only takes a moment with your eyes averted for disaster to occur.

No Snacks

While a bag of pretzels may be a road trip essential for you, it is best to leave the dog treats at home. When your dog eats in the car, it can quickly become a choking hazard. Additionally, if your dog gets car sick, try to limit their intake before the ride. Many veterinarians suggest feeding your dog three hours before a car trip for optimal digestion and to reduce the risk of vomiting.

Stay in the Vehicle

Most dogs love to hang their heads out of the window during drives, taking in the sights and the smells. However, the fact is, it just isn’t safe. When your dog’s head is outside the car, they have a higher chance of being hit by projectiles (even flying bugs can be painful at high speeds!). It also puts them at increased risk for injury if an accident was to occur. Finally, the whipping air can quickly dry your dog’s eyes, which leads canine ophthalmologists to caution against this popular practice. So, while Rover may enjoy sniffing the air, it is best to leave the windows up and the air conditioning on.

As 2021 begins and we hopefully have more chances to travel, you can feel confident bringing your dog with you. All it takes is making sure that you follow a few simple safety guidelines and always remember to “Buckle up pup!” so that you can focus on the road.

Enter to Win

We’re giving away a pet car safety prize basket, containing a Kurgo Vehicle Harness, a Kurgo Direct To Seatbelt Swivel Tether, a Kurgo Dog First Aid Kit, and a K&H Hangin’ Bucket Booster Seat for Toy Breeds. Please enter this giveaway using the widget below. The giveaway will be open 01/11/21 at 12:00 noon until 01/13/21 at 12:00 noon. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

At The Cheshire Horse, we carry a full selection of canine vehicle accessories, including safety harnesses, tethers, ramps, seat covers, booster seats, and cargo liners. If you have any questions regarding which canine safety products would be the most appropriate for your dog and your lifestyle, we encourage you to speak to a member of our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff.