Should dogs wear seatbelts?

The answer is, yes.

Recently I moved from Los Angeles to Tucson with my two greyhounds. The 80-pound male roosted in my Honda hatchback, which afforded him a great view of the landscape; the 60-pound female rode with my friend in a rental car, climbing between the front and back seats as she pleased. Both dogs seemed to enjoy the trip, and it was fun having them along to keep us company during the drive.

It didn’t occur to me until after the trip that I had put my pooches (and myself) at risk. What if I had slammed on the brakes? What if I’d been in an accident?

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/) and the Animal Protection Institute (http://www.api4animals.org/) there are no available statistics how many dogs are injured or killed each year in cars. Nevertheless, traveling pets face the same dangers we do, and they also pose a risk to passengers and other motorists. Author Stephen King was injured when a pick-up truck driver lost control while trying to corral his unrestrained Rottweiler.

Some U.S. lawmakers are beginning to catch on. The California Tether Law, for instance, requires all dogs in the back of pick-ups to be cross-tethered to the vehicle or protected by a secured container or cage to prevent them from being thrown, falling, or jumping from the vehicle.

But when it comes dogs and auto safety, the British are at the head of the pack. Drivers in England are urged to use seatbelt-like restraints on their pets or buy insurance to cover any damage or accidents caused by their passenger pets.

5 Reasons Why Your Dog Should Wear a Seatbelt

1. Distraction

Pets can provide much-needed distraction from the pressures of daily life. However, you don’t want your pet distracting you when you’re behind the wheel. The results could be disastrous--for you, your pet, and other motorists.

2. Impact

Pets without seatbelts are just like people without seatbelts: If you slam on the brakes or hit another car, they go flying. The last thing you need in an accident is a large dog hurtling at you from the backseat. It’s the last thing your dog needs, too.

3. Emergencies

A dog that has been in an accident is likely to be in shock, confused, and injured. She may attack rescue personnel without provocation. You can minimize this danger by properly restraining your dog.

4. Control

Even a well-trained dog can be distracted by a juicy squirrel or cat. If your dog is properly tethered, he can’t jump out the window or chase after another animal when you open your door.

5. Comfort

Imagine standing blindfolded in the back of a moving truck. Pretty unnerving, yes? That’s what the average car trip is like for your dog--a series of unexpected starts, stops, and turns. You can increase your dog’s security and comfort by providing restraints.



Restraining Dos and Don’ts

Do use restraints that offer mobility

Some restraints allow your dog only to remain in a sitting position. That might be fine for a quick trip to the post office, but over a longer haul, your dog should be able to sit, lie down, and perhaps stand.

Don’t put your dog in the front seat

The safest place for your dog is the middle of the back seat. Airbags are not designed for small children or dogs.

Do properly fit your dog with the correct size restraint

If the restraint is too small, it will chafe your dog and make her uncomfortable; if it’s too big, it won’t provide effective restraint. (Consult the links below to determine the proper size restraint for your dog. Most of the sites provide charts based on a dog’s chest measurement and weight.)

Don’t put your dog in a crate or cage

In an accident, a crate or cage will go flying through the air just like an unrestrained dog. Not good. And even if the crate itself is secured, your dog will be slammed against the interior walls with potentially lethal force.

Do ask questions about restraint products

Has the product been crash-tested? Safety-tested? Does the manufacturer offer testimonials? There are lots of companies that offer pet-restraint systems; find one that knows its product and stands behind it.