Ensuring your dog's safety while driving it around should always be a top priority. This applies to both short and long trips. An uncontrolled dog not only puts itself at risk, but it can also become a dangerous distraction for you, the driver, if it falls onto the floor, jumps into the front seat, or becomes trapped under the brake pedal.
Furthermore, driving with an unrestrained animal in your vehicle is illegal in some states. In states without animal-specific driving rules, motorists driving with unrestrained pets can still be ticketed for distracted driving, especially if they get involved in a crash. That is where dogs car seat belts come in handy.
What is a Dog Car Seat Belt?
A dog seat belt is a safety harness that includes a loop for seat belts. It is a method of correctly restraining your dog while driving and keeping them secure in a seat. Many types of seat belts for dogs are available, so it's critical to pick one that is safe for your pet.
A quality dog seat belt is one that is durable and features thick, padded straps that disperse crash force evenly. The seat belt tethers should be attached to the dog's back, not its neck and the dog should be able to sit and lie down while wearing it.
In the event of an accident or quick stop, the seat belt should uniformly distribute the force of the leash across your dog's chest and back, reducing the strain on its neck. The seat belt straps should be long enough for your dog to sit comfortably in the car, but short enough to prevent your dog from hitting the seat in front of them.
A good dog seat belt is also one that your dog will be comfortable in, allowing them to enjoy the thrill of car rides while remaining safe.
How to Choose a Dog Seat Belt?
When shopping for dogs car seat belts, you'll see that the options are endless. That said, it's essential to know what to look for to choose the best option for your dog. Only a dog car set belt with the right features will be able to keep your dogs safe and secure in the car.
Chew Proof
When some dogs are excited or bored, they will chew on anything they come across. Car rides can be tedious for an energetic dog, especially if you don't pay attention to them. A chew-proof dog seatbelt made from a quality and durable material will be able to endure the wrath of your dog's teeth.
Bungee
A dog seatbelt's capacity to stretch makes it efficient in safeguarding your dog in the event of an accident. The seatbelt bungee tether reduces impact force in the event of an accident, perhaps saving your dog's life.
Adjustable Tether
The tether is a piece that connects the dog harness to the seat belt in the car. A decent dog seatbelt should be adjustable in length, making it handy for people who have multiple pets. An adjustable strap is a good investment because it can accommodate all of the canines in your home. It is also critical that you can adjust the tether to accommodate your dog's range of motion in the vehicle.
Other factors you'll want to consider are:
Your Dog's Size
Different breeds of dogs have different sizes, so you should be able to adjust the dog seatbelt accordingly. Adjustable seatbelts accommodate different dog sizes, with more space for larger dogs.
A well-fitting dog seatbelt allows your dog enough wiggle room in the rear seat. On the other hand, it restricts mobility sufficiently to guarantee that they do not become a distraction while driving.
Car Compatibility
In addition to being the right size for your size, the seatbelt also needs to be compatible with your car's specific seatbelt buckle. If the dog seat belt doesn't fit into your vehicle's buckle it will jam, which can be extremely annoying.
Universal metal buckles should easily fit the dog seat belt clip. Before purchasing a dog seat belt, take a visual note of your car's seat belt buckles to confirm they are suitable.
Getting Your Dog Used to the Seatbelt
A seat belt takes some "getting accustomed to" for most dogs for the first few drives. To ensure a happy experience, it is critical that you get your dog used to being restrained with a seatbelt. Slowly introducing a seatbelt will result in a more relaxed dog, and rides will be more enjoyable.
If your dog enjoys playing, taking them to the park will make them less afraid of the seatbelts. Your dog will associate travelling in the car with seatbelts fastened with enjoyable activities like playing. When the dog forms this association, it will be easier to place a seatbelt on them.
Once they've mastered staying in the backseat with the car harness and seat belt on, reward them with sweets and praise. Your dog will enjoy going for trips with the seatbelts on, and they will look forward to going for drives.