How to Keep YOUR Dog Safe in the Car - 5 Ways To Prevent Accidents When Driving with Your Pet

We love to take our pets on beach getaways, camping adventures and trips to the park... but are we doing it safely?

As dog parents, it is our duty to ensure the comfort and safety of our dogs in all ways possible, including car travel. Lindsey Wolko, founder of the nonprofit Center for Pet Safety, a consumer advocacy group, sorts essential safety travel gear into two categories: distraction prevention, which keeps the dog out of the front seat, and crash protection. When traveling unrestrained, dogs tend to move around in the back seat, stick their heads out the window and often try to crawl over to the passenger or driver seat. These situations (and more) pose as distractions and can prove dangerous to yourself as well as your dog.

However! There are a few safety measures all dog parents can (and should) take to prevent potential car accidents. So, here is everything you need to know about how to properly and safely travel with your dog.

Keep your dog in the backseat

Allowing your dog to sit in the passenger's seat can result in injury. Here is why:

-The airbag can deploy and gravely injure your dog

-The dog can distract the driver

-A loose dog may be thrown towards the dashboard/windshield in case of a car crash or hard stop

-The dog can accidentally engage with the steering wheel and/or gear shift

The solution: Create a separation between the driver and the dog.

Car barriers are designed to block off a section of the car in order to keep a dog in the cargo area. The main safety benefit of a barrier is to keep your dog away from you, minimizing distraction. Find it on Amazon

Buckle their seat belt

The doggy version.

A car harness or seat belt is a safe way to restrain your dog in the car.

They fit just like regular harnesses but are made to withstand the impact of a car accident.

Some dogs are not good seat belt candidates, however – typically puppies, young dogs, and others who might be tempted to try their teeth out on the seat belt or harness straps. (Reprimanding your dog for chewing his belt comes under the “driver distraction” risk category.) If this sounds like your pup, a different alternative might be best for you.

Otherwise, look for a harness that fits your dog well and can be attached securely to your car's seat belts.

Crate them

A crate or kennel is another safe way for your dog to travel, provided the crate is very sturdy and secured in place. Look for straps or harnesses that will keep the crate secured, or find a crate made to have a seat belt strapped to it.

The only downside, they wont be able to adorably stick their heads out the window.

Install a car seat

Dog car seats and booster seats are similar to car harnesses but designed for small dogs.

The concept is to boost the dog up to a higher level where he can see but to still keep him safe.

Wrap them up

For car-anxious pups, being contained, separated or restrained may still be a stress factor which can lead to barking, crying, whining and/or trying to escape. This all poses as another distraction for the driver. So, for super anxious dogs, a thunder shirt, in addition to a car barrier or another alternative, may be the solution.

Thundershirts work great in helping to keep your pup calm and at ease.

The design applies gentle, constant pressure to calm all types of anxiety and fear - Including car travel.

Don't leave them behind

This goes without saying, never leave your dog alone in a parked car.

On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. What’s more, in some places, leaving your dog in the car is not allowed - So, when in doubt and whenever you can, keep your pup with you. Sharing adventures with your best friend is one of the greatest parts of having a dog. By keeping your dog contained, happy and well cared for on the road, you can count on plenty more epic car trips in the future.