Dog Seat Belt Safety
Many pet owners rarely think about restraining their dog when they are driving. They allow their pet to roam free around the car. In many cases, the owner will allow their dog to stick its head out of the window. For the pet owner who is concerned about safety, specialized dog seat belts can secure their animal during travel.
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Why Dog Seat Belts?
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Dog seat belts protect the dog and the owner. According to Pet Safety Belts, some dogs have the potential to jump into the front seat and distract the driver. This could result in an accident. Many owners purchase dog seat belts because they feel that their dog deserves the same protection as a family member. Seat belts offer one of the most effective means of reducing serious injuries and fatalities if an accident occurs.
How They Work
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Dog seat belts work by absorbing some of the force of the crash. The seat belt distributes the impact of the crash evenly across the dog's body. This reduces the risk that the dog will suffer injuries to the head, neck, and body. Some dog seat belts can be used as a walking and lifting harness as well.
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Dog Seat Belt Selection
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Dog seat belts come in a variety of sizes. Most seat belts can be purchased base on a dog's specific measurements. When purchasing dog seat belts, owners should also ensure that the seatbelt is not too tight or loose. The dog should still be able to move around comfortably.
Additional Benefits
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According to Canine Auto, seat belts can also be used to prevent a dog's escape from the car. Occasionally, unrestrained dogs will jump out of a moving vehicle. Dogs that jump from even slow-moving vehicles can get injured or killed. In addition, some dogs have a fear of riding in the car or get car sick easily. A dog seat belt can stabilize the animal when the driver is accelerating, braking, or turning a corner.
Window Adjustments
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According to the San Francisco Chronicle, if a person wants their dog to enjoy the open road without a seat belt, they should keep windows open no more than halfway when driving at slower speeds. On the highway, pet owners should crack the windows slightly to prevent possible injuries.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Fotolia.com, courtesy of Sirena Designs
