As a pet parent, it's important to make sure your fur baby is safe and secure during car rides. One way to ensure their safety is by having them wear a seat belt. Despite the common misconception that dogs can simply ride in the backseat unrestrained, there are several reasons why dogs should wear a seat belt in a car ride - I'll share 4:
A seat belt can prevent your dog from getting injured during a car accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an unrestrained dog can become a dangerous projectile during a car accident, putting not only themselves at risk but also the passengers in the car. In fact, an unrestrained dog can exert a force of up to 40 times their weight in a crash, which can cause serious injury or even death to both the dog and the humans in the car. A seat belt can prevent your dog from flying forward and colliding with hard surfaces such as the dashboard, windshield, or seats.
Seat belt can prevent your dog from distracting the driver. Dogs can be very excitable and can easily become a distraction for the driver. A dog jumping around, barking, or even licking the driver's face can cause the driver to take their attention away from the road, leading to a potential accident. A seat belt can help to keep your dog in one place, preventing them from moving around and distracting the driver.
A seat belt can prevent your dog from escaping the car. Dogs are naturally curious and may be tempted to jump out of the car window or door when they see something interesting outside - Luna tried when she thought I was going to buy some cheese 💆🏾♀️) This can be dangerous, especially if you are driving on a busy road or highway. A seat belt can prevent your dog from escaping the car and potentially causing an accident or getting hurt or lost.
A seat belt can help to prevent motion sickness in dogs. Some dogs are prone to motion sickness during car rides, which can cause them to vomit, drool excessively, or become restless. A seat belt can help to keep your dog in one place, reducing the motion that can trigger their motion sickness.
So, what kind of seat belt should you use for your dog? There are several types of seat belts available on the market, including harnesses, tethers, and crates. The best option for your dog will depend on their size, breed, and temperament - the only cautionary note is to NEVER use it with a neck collar as you could choke your furbaby.
Here are a couple of options for you to chose from:
An harness is a good option for small and medium-sized dogs. It attaches to the car's seat belt and can be adjusted to fit your dog securely. Make sure to choose a harness that is specifically designed for use in a car and has been crash-tested to ensure its safety.
A tether is another option that can be used with a harness. It attaches to the harness and to the car's seat belt, allowing your dog some freedom of movement while still keeping them secure. However, it's important to make sure that the tether is not too long, as this can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
A crate is a good option for larger dogs or dogs that are anxious during car rides. It provides a secure and enclosed space for your dog and can be secured to the car using straps or seat belts. Make sure to choose a crate that is large enough for your dog to move around comfortably and that is properly secured in the car.
We love our furbaby, and we should do everything we can to keep them happy and safe!
Happy pawrenting!
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