In the car, it is important to drive distraction free and keep all passengers secured with seat belts. This is equally important for the dogs in your car. Having a dog running around in the back or front seat while you are driving can be an extremely dangerous distraction. Even if your dog is well behaved, any sudden stop or crash could result in injury to your dog if they are not secured.
The best way to solve these problems is by securing your dog whenever you are in the car. Fortunately, there are several different methods available depending on your dog’s needs and comfort.
Options for Securing a Dog in the Car
Although there are several different ways to secure a dog, it is worth doing some research. Not all of the products on the market have been proven effective in keeping dogs safe during crash tests. But when used properly, these solutions can be effective at securing dogs in cars:
- Dog Seat Belts – Seat belts for dogs are a special harness that attaches to a car seat belt and then to your dog’s harness. Your dog can sit on the seat so they can see out the window, but will not be able to move around the vehicle. The seat belt will also restrain the dog during a collision. This is good for dogs of any size, but not good for dogs who are liable to chew through their leash.
- Dog Crate – A crate is one of the most secure options for dogs and as it keeps the dog in place and you can secure the crate to hold it in place during a collision. Travel crates will work and there are also specially made car crates that can offer additional safety. This solution can work for any dog that is comfortable in a crate and any vehicle that has enough space.
- Back Seat Hammock – The back seat hammock fits over the headrests of your front seats and headrest of your back seats to create a sort of hammock. Dogs can rest on the backseat with less risk of sliding forward during sudden stops. It also makes it harder to get into the front seat. This solution is better for larger dogs and calmer dogs since it does not secure your car completely.
- Dog Guard – This is a secure method to keep your dog in the back seat and prevent her from coming forward during a crash. These guards can be wire or mesh and fit between your two front seats. You will need to find one that specifically fits your car and the installation is usually a bit trickier and more permanent than other methods.
Any of these solutions can help make your dog more secure in the car, cutting down on distractions and the risk of injury during an accident. Additionally, with the right option, both you and your dog can be more comfortable in the car for all of the journeys you will take together.