Does Your Pet Travel Safely? by Dawn Ross Does your dog love to travel in the car with you? You and your family wear seat belts when riding in the car. Does your pet? If you have not considered it, here are eight important reasons why your dog should wear a pet auto seat belt. Protects the Owner — The dog won't be able to distract the person driving the car. Distractions an be very dangerous to the driver. Some dogs are naturally well-behaved in the vehicle, but many dogs have to be trained in car-riding decorum. Why not train them in the pet auto seat belt instead? Protects the Dog — Sudden unexpected stops won't cause the dog to fly forward into the dash, the back seat, or onto the floor. Dog's noses are very sensitive. Hitting their nose on the dash or back of the seat can be a very painful experience. Protects the Dog’s Eyes — The dog won't be able to put their head out the window. Did you know that even a tiny spec of flying debris can do serious damage to the dog's eye or nose? Many dogs love to put their heads out the window, but it can be an equally pleasant experience if they are sitting in a pet auto seat belt by an open window. They won't be able to put their heads out, but they can still get a whiff of the multiple odors zipping by. Protects the Dog’s Body — Not only will the dog not be able to put their head out the window, they won't be able to get their body out either. Dogs are instinctive creatures and if something catches their attention, such as another dog, a squirrel, or other animal, they may go after it without a thought. Perhaps your dog is too smart to do this, but why take the chance?
Protects the Dog in the Event of an Accident — Many dogs will run or even bite if frightened. What if you and your pet happen to be in a serous auto accident? Your dog is going to be terrified. If there is a means of escape, the dog may get out of the car and run. And where are they most likely to run? It would be a terrible thing to survive an auto accident only to get hit by a car. Even if there is no way for the dog to escape, they may need medical attention. An injured dog may react defensively by tying to bite someone who is actually trying to help them. A dog that is already restrained however, is easier to muzzle and therefore, easier to attend to. Meets State Requirements — Did you know that pet auto seat belts are required for dogs traveling in the car 16
MetroPet Magazine N OVEMBER 2008
You and your family wear seat belts when riding in the car. Does your pet? Here are eight important reasons... in the state of California? This type of law may soon be required in other states as well. Get ahead by purchasing a pet auto seat belt now. If you wait until your state passes such a law, there will be businesses that will take advantage of the requirement and raise the prices on their products. Can Be Comfortable — A pet auto seat belt can actually be quite comfortable once the dog gets used to it. Dogs can have a difficult time laying down in a seat because of the turning, speeding up, slowing down, and stopping movements of the car. Many dogs can brace themselves better by standing or sitting. With a pet auto seat belt, a dog can stand, sit, or lay down comfortably and not have to worry about bracing themselves against car maneuvers. Shows Responsibility — Last but not least, a pet auto safety belt shows you to be a responsible and caring pet owner as well as a responsible driver. Friends and strangers will be