Safety Tips for Pet Care
While cats typically ride in cars only when necessary dogs often accompany their owners on car rides However it is essential to consider the safety of your pet during these trips Despite the legal requirement for humans to wear seatbelts many people overlook securing their dogs in the car It is not uncommon to see dogs riding unrestrained whether with their heads out the window or even sitting on the driver’s lap This poses risks not only to the pet but also to the driver and others on the road
Pet Care Safety – The Risks
In a car crash both unsecured dogs and unbelted humans face similar risks turning into large projectiles vulnerable to serious injury or causing harm to others For instance a 60 pound unrestrained dog in a 35 mph accident can become a 2700-pound projectile Similar to children pets should not ride in the front seat due to the potential for distraction and the danger posed by airbags deploying with significant force Loose pets rank as the third top driver distraction according to the American Automobile Association Allowing dogs to stick their heads or paws out of car windows is not safe akin to the advice given to children It exposes them to dust and debris that can cause injury to their eyes If your dog enjoys the breeze a safer alternative is to open the window slightly to maintain their enjoyment while minimizing risks
Pet Care Safety – The Challenge
The Center for Pet Safety highlights a concerning lack of safety standards or mandatory testing for msinfoz.com/tips-for-pet-car-safety/ products The Consumer Products Safety Commission does not classify pet products as consumer products exempting them from scrutiny regarding manufacturers claims In collaboration with Subaru the Center conducted 29 crash tests on various restraints revealing a startling 25 failures This emphasizes the need for increased attention to pet safety measures during car rides
Pet Care Safety – Solutions
Out of all the pet harnesses tested a mere three successfully passed the crash test showcasing the crucial need for reliable safety measures The Center for Pet Safety recommends harnesses such as the Click it Sport and Click it Terrain by Sleepy pod which doubles as a walking harness with a back d-ring Additionally for small dogs weighing 25 pounds and under the Zu Go Pet Rocketeer Pack is endorsed as a safe and effective option These recommendations emphasize the importance of selecting trustworthy pet restraints for car travel
For small dogs and cats two properly secured soft-sided kennels passed the crash test and all Mobile Pet Beds by Sleepy pod including their entire line of dog safety harnesses and carriers have successfully undergone numerous crash tests meeting child safety restraint standards If you own an SUV or station wagon securing a pet crate in the back of the vehicle may be the safest way for large dogs to travel comfortably The Gunner Kennel G1 Intermediate the sole hard-sided kennel to pass the Center for Pet Safety and Subaru’s crash tests with Strength-Rated Anchor Straps.While these products may come with a higher price tag the peace of mind they provide in ensuring your pet’s safety during a crash or compared to potential vet bills for injuries could make them a worthwhile investment It is essential to prioritize your pet’s well-being during car travel Note that the Animal Foundation does not endorse any of the mentioned products