Dog Seatbelts

feature 3, Car Safety, seatbelt - By Staff Writer on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 - 14:53

Just recently AAA released a report with the results of a survey of 1000 drivers who have driven with their dogs in the past year.  They found that dogs are a major distraction of drivers and can contribute to accidents.  They found that 20% of the drivers allowed their dogs to sit in their laps and more than one half pet their dog while driving.  While we all know texting and talking on the phone while driving is bad many don't realize just how dangerous this is for both you and your dog.  You can read our article on Car Safety For Your Dog for more information on driving with your dog, but if you are looking for a to keep an unruly dog in their seat or just want to be a good safe driver, we highly recommend you get a safety harness belt for your dog.

Driver Safety
A safety harness buckle will strap your dog into the back seat which means a much safer trip for everyone in the car.  Even the most behaved dog can act up or get scared by something unexpected and if this happens while traveling on a freeway it could be very dangerous.  Having  harness tethering the dog to the back seat keeps your dog in place and ensures they won't bolt out when you open the door.  Knowing right where your dog is means you can focus on the road.

Your Dogs Safety
Besides keeping your dog restricted to the back seat while you are in motion, cutting down on their ability to distract you, a safety belt can save your dog's life.  If you get in an accident going 50mph with a 10 lb dog the laws of physics will mean that your little 10lb dog will exert 500lbs of pressure.  The faster you go and the more the dog weighs the more pressure the dog creates.  500 lbs of pressure is a lot of pressure that can cause your dog to fly out a window or into a passenger.  Securing your dog to a seat can prevent un-necessary injuries to you and your dog.

In The Event Of A Crash
In the event that there is an accident you may need to keep your dog in the car.  If there is a minor accident on the freeway or a busy street, you need to make sure your dog does not bolt out if you have to open a door or a window breaks.  Accidents are frightening for everyone involved and dogs can get spooked and act erratically. 

How They Work
Just like a  seatbelt, safety harnesses secure your dog to a seat.  They are typically a harness made of strong woven materials that work directly with your seatbelt.  The harness straps to your dog and will provide a loop through which you can buckle a belt in. 

What To Look For
When getting a safety harness you need to make sure you get one that is the right size and adjustable for your dog.  Check the packaging to make sure your dog fits the specific size of harness.  Once you get the harness you should fit the harness and adjust the straps to make sure your dog is secure.  Check that the materials used are strong and firmly attached.  If you notice any loose stitches you should pass on the harness as the integrity might not hold in an accident.

Safety Tips
If you do go with a safety harness we recommend you never  leave your dog unattended in one.  If you are leaving your dog in the car alone (for short periods of time when it is not too hot or cold out) we recommend you place your dog in a crate or use a screen divide to keep them secluded to one area.  A dog left unattended could try to back out and get caught and choke in the straps.