Dog Auto Safety is important for every dog owner to consider. Here's everything you need to know about this topic.
A Growing Awareness
Most people don't place much emphasis on Dog Auto Safety. While large amounts of public dollars go to funding seatbelt and auto safety campaigns for people, it is rare for the safety of an animal to be considered. Luckily, awareness is growing and more owners than ever are beginning to take proper safety precautions for their dogs.
Auto Restraints for Dogs
One of the best investments an owner can make to ensure a dog's safety is an auto restraint, or dog seat belt. Not only will the restraint keep the dog safe, it can also protect anyone else in the vehicle. While an unrestrained dog will almost always get injured in a crash, a passenger can also be hurt if the dog is thrown about in the car. Make sure to buy the proper size for your dog when choosing restraints. It should fit tightly and comfortably just like a traditional seatbelt. Always put the auto restraint in the back. Airbags in the dashboard can severely injure a dog in a crash.
An alternative to an auto restraint is a pet car seat or traveling kennel. Both options confine the dog to a safe space in the vehicle. Pet vehicle barriers may also be used to keep the dog in the back of the car. Keep in mind that the dog should still be strapped into the vehicle in case of a crash.
Eliminating Driver Distraction
By restraining or kenneling your {mosimage} dog, you won't have to worry about her jumping around the car demanding attention. Restraining your dog will also prevent her from jumping out the window as you sit at a stoplight or hopping out the back door as you load up the back seat.
Preventing Heat Stroke
Another thing to consider when bringing your dog on a car ride is the weather. A dog should never be left alone in a car on a warm summer day. Parking in the shade slows down the rate the car will heat up, but temperatures can still become dangerously hot. Since dogs do not sweat, they are especially susceptible to heat stroke, which can lead to death. Be certain to turn up the air conditioning or roll down the windows to keep your dog's body temperature at a safe level.
Closely monitor your dog whenever she accompanies you for a car ride. Help her learn the proper behavior for that environment and she may end up being a wonderful driving companion.
