Car and Safety

Safety a must: items that provide safety and comfort in the car

As an animal physical therapist, I regularly treat dogs that have been paralyzed or suffered extensive bruising due to a car accident. So when you take your dog with you in the car, it is important to consider the safety of your dog as well as yourself and other occupants. Transporting a dog loose in the car is not only risky for the dog when you suddenly have to stop. The dog loose in the car can distract the driver and thus endanger you and other occupants. In many countries it is already mandatory to have dogs behind a partition in the car or leashed to the seat belt.

If you tie your dog to the collar, your dog's neck will be severely strained in the event of an accident or pulling in the car. Therefore, the use of a car harness is highly recommended.

There are many car harnesses on the market. When purchasing a harness, pay attention to the following points:

• The harness must support the sternum properly at the sternum so that the pressure on the sternum is distributed in the event of an accident. Many “car harnesses” actually have a narrow strap running across the sternum which gives a lot of local pressure;
• The harness, in combination with a possible extension, must have a pivot point so that the dog does not twist;
• The harness must fit well, be of sturdy material and not slip;
• The harness must be able to be used as a normal harness so that you do not have to change harnesses when you take your dog for a walk in between walks;
• The harness must be able to be attached to either the seat belt or the car belt attachment point.

NOTE When attaching your dog to the front seat, turn off the airbag!