Dogs love to be with their owners and many people like to take their beloved pets out in the car with them. This is a great way to get your dog out for some exercise, and used to other people and environments. Your dog will love the car journey as it is fun being out and about, seeing new places and people. Although it is great to load the dog into the car and simply drive off, you need to ensure that you remember the basic safety issues of your dog being in the car.

If you decide that you want to take your dog in your car you need to remember that it is very unlikely he will want to sit down. The whole experience will be very exciting and this will lead to your dog jumping and leaping around. Your dog potentially is a lethal weapon on your backseat, he can go from a 50 pound dog to a 100 pound missile if you suddenly have to brake or swerve. If your dog flies forward and hits you or one of your passengers then it can be fatal. Also dogs love to sit with their heads out of the car window, if they get the opportunity then they will often leap from the car whether it is stationary or not.

Over 3 million pets are killed in auto accidents every year, this is something you want to prevent happening. The best thing to do with your dog is ensure that they are wearing a dog seatbelt. Just like any other passenger in the car the best thing for all is for everyone to be secured and safe in the car. Your dog will get used to the feeling of being secure and will soon get used to the seatbelt and will often lie down and go to sleep. Even if you have stopped and have got out of the car for a short while, it may be wise to leave your dog secured. The dog may begin to jump around and can knock the park brake resulting in an accident. Remember however not to place your dog where there are airbags as he could suffocate if there is an accident.

Ensure whatever type of dog seatbelt you purchase it is designed not only for the size of your dog but also the vehicle. There are several different sizes and styles that you can buy and depending on the size of your dog will usually determine the price. The best way for your dog to get used to wearing a dog seatbelt is when they are young, if they have worn one since they are puppies then they won’t think anything of it. Try very short journeys with the seatbelt at first and let your dog get used to the way if feels. Ensure you treat your dog every time it behaves well while wearing the seatbelt, this will put a positive spin on the whole experience.

Author Bio: Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at Oh My Dog Supplies – where you can find dog beds, dog car seat belts (and other dog seat belt restraints), pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you’ll never find at your local pet store.

Category: Pets
Keywords: dog seat belt,dog car seat belt,dog safety belt,dog car restraint,seat belts for dogs,dog safety