7 Reasons Why Your Dog Needs a Seat Belt
Millions of dogs are injured or killed each year in car accidents. Many of these unfortunate events could have been prevented if the dog had been safely restrained in a seat belt harness.
That's a tough fact to process, considering how much time we spend in the car with our furry friends! From vet visits to adventures to the park and Sunday-afternoon joy rides past the beach! Our hounds spend a lot of time traveling in the car. So, how do we keep them safe while they're enjoying a little motoring fun?
Our blog post will look at seven important reasons for buckling your hound in safely when traveling in the car.
7 Reasons Why Your Hound Needs a Seat Belt
#1 Hound Safety
Safety is the most important reason for your dog to wear a seat belt. A dog that's not restrained in the car can be easily ejected from the vehicle in case of an accident or sudden stop, causing serious physical harm and even death. A properly fitting dog seat belt will keep them safe and secure in case of any unexpected circumstances while driving.
#2 Driver Safety
A dog seat belt can help reduce distractions while you're driving. For example, unrestrained dogs have been known to jump around and distract drivers, leading to serious accidents or near misses. Keeping your dog securely fastened will help minimize this risk and assist the driver to remain focused on the road.
#3 Damage Control
Securing your dog with a dog seat belt will also help protect your car's interior. Without a seat belt, dogs can easily scratch and damage the upholstery or other interior surfaces. In addition, it's much easier to keep them secured with a harness than to try to clean up any doggie accidents they may have while running around freely!
#4 Anxiety Management
It's vital for your dog's comfort. A seat belt prevents your hound from being tossed around should you make sudden turns or emergency stops. Having a secure seat belt harness allows them to relax during long trips without fear of being jostled around in their seat.
#5 Confidence Promoting
A dog seat belt makes it easier for them to look out the window and enjoy the scenery. Without a seat belt, they'll likely be too afraid of the car movement to enjoy the changing environment.
#6 Illness Reducing
Using a dog seat belt harness will also help reduce your dog's risk of car sickness. Unrestrained dogs can often become anxious and vomit while riding in the car. A secure dog seat belt harness will help keep them calm and comfortable, reducing the chances of them feeling queazy during long road trips.
#7 It's The Law!
In many states and countries, seat belts for dogs are mandatory. Without one, you could be subject to fines and other penalties if pulled over by an officer of the law. It's much easier to follow the law and keep your dog safe with a seat belt than to deal with legal issues caused by not having one.
Final Paws for Consideration
It's fairly evident that using a dog seat belt to restrain your hound while out and about in the car keeps both the driver and dog safe from harm. So, the next time you head out with the hound on a car adventure, remember to secure your dog safely. After all, you wouldn't allow your human children to run amok in a car while you are driving, so why let your dog?
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
