 Securing dog while in car?
#99690 - 03/02/2006 08:13 AM |
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When he was younger, my ll month old GSD used to ride in the car asleep most of the time. Now he's big and brave and sticks his head out the window all the time. I don't own any type of harness/seatbelt to hold him in. I've often thought I should get one but people seem to have varying opinions on them-mostly I'm told not to use one. Maybe I've been talking to the wrong people??
I don't own an SUV so I can't crate him while in the car. My concern is that, should I get into an accident while he's got his head out the window, he may get seriously injured or worse. Over the summer someone ran a red light and hit me going about 35 MPH. My side airbags went off and everything not nailed down in my car was wildly thrown everywhere. If my dog was in the car at that time, I know he would have been thrown from the car.
Does anyone have an opinion on using them at all and, if so, what type or brand is a good one? Your input is appreciated.
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Re: Securing dog while in car?
[Re: Judy Troiano ]
#99691 - 03/02/2006 08:25 AM |
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I've had recent experience of this and I think I can provide a sensible answer.
Your dog should either be crated in the car or be behind one of these dog guard type things that look kinda like bars. I know you said you don't have an SUV but this isn't always a requirement. A hatchback type of car and not a saloon (sedan I think you guys call it) is a viable option as you can put the dog in the "trunk" area providing you remove the parcel shelf of course. This is what I currentrly do and my dog is much happier and safer as he used to scream/yelp a lot in the back seat.
If you cannot do either of these things then do not take your dog in the car with you, as you not only risk his life but yours or your passengers as well (the wieght of an unrestrained dog hitting the back of a seat/head can be lethal). Dogs can be a major distraction in the car even when riding with a "seatbelt" on.
If all else fails and you have to travel with your dog, consider getting a different car.
John
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Re: Securing dog while in car?
[Re: Judy Troiano ]
#99692 - 03/02/2006 08:29 AM |
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Judy
Afriend of mine uses a seatbelt for her dog since she has a small car, she got hers at Pet Smart (unsure of brandname). She also got one of those gates that goes across the back (adjustable) so that in case the seat belt fails the dog will not be thrown into the front with her. And she never rolls the window down enough for the dog to her entire head out.
Ideally she is looking for a bigger vehicle so that she can crate her dog.
Hope this helps a little.
Carol
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter |
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Re: Securing dog while in car?
[Re: Carol Boche ]
#99693 - 03/02/2006 08:45 AM |
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I agree. I have a seatbelt especially for my dogs, and I always secure them in the back seat. They do work very well. You want to treat your dog as you would your children, with safety being the first thing in mind. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
" Evil flourishes when good men do nothing" |
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Re: Securing dog while in car?
[Re: John Aiton ]
#99694 - 03/02/2006 08:52 AM |
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Yikes, John, I can't use any of your suggestions <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />. My car is a 4 door Mercedes which I guess is considered a sedan so, unfortunately, I can't crate him or put him anywhere but the back seat. Not trying to be difficult but getting a different car is not an alternative either. I completely agree with you that he can be a distraction so something has to change. Thank you for your input but I'm hoping that I can find some type of restraint allowing me to bring him with me AND keep him safe - he loves the car!!
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Re: Securing dog while in car?
[Re: Carol Boche ]
#99695 - 03/02/2006 08:55 AM |
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I think your friend is right not to let her dog's entire head fit out the window. This has been my mistake and as of last week I started leaving my windows down only a few inches. I'm more comfortable and less distracted that's for sure. I hadn't considered a gate prior to your post so I'll look into that too. Thanks a lot Carol.
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Re: Securing dog while in car?
[Re: Judy Troiano ]
#99696 - 03/02/2006 10:44 AM |
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Ahh well that's what happens when you Drive a Mercedes. It's a gas guzzler anyway, get a Toyota Prius lol.
You could always rip the back seats out <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
John
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Re: Securing dog while in car?
[Re: John Aiton ]
#99697 - 03/02/2006 11:22 AM |
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Mine are restrained and/or crated in the car ALWAYS. I use the Champion Canine Seat Belt System and it is easy to use and safe. Also AIR bags kill. A friend of mine--working in the ER of a hospital here saw a man come in with a simple lac and bump to the head after getting rear-ended at a stop sign. He had two Goldens in the car-unrestrained, one died from airbag deployment, the other dog slightly injured. My dogs are not allowed to put their heads out the window. Period. Good luck finding a restraint (or a different car)that works for you!!
Sarah
Home to 2 GSDs
Sita (2/6/2000) CD,CGC,registered therapy dog
Nandi (12/18/04) TD,CGC |
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Re: Securing dog while in car?
[Re: Sarah ten Bensel ]
#99698 - 03/02/2006 12:25 PM |
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Mine are restrained and/or crated in the car ALWAYS. I use the Champion Canine Seat Belt System and it is easy to use and safe. ....
This is what I use too.
One very important point about securing the dog is that in the event of an accident, if doors are opened in the crash or by people helping the car occupants, or by emergency personnel, frightened dogs *often* run. That means they are then loose in traffic or lost.
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Re: Securing dog while in car?
[Re: Connie Sutherland ]
#99699 - 03/02/2006 12:50 PM |
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Ugh! I just finished creating a post but must not have sent it fast enough and it timed out. I didn't know this forum doesn't allow for a potty break <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> !! I can't find the original of this message so if it's sitting in cyberspace somewhere and shows up again..please ignore it.
Anyway, I'll definitely look into the Champion Canine restraint. I never did think of the possibility of losing my dog should emergency personnel open my car door due to an accident.
Thanks for your help everyone. I'm definitely taking your advice and purchasing a restraint right away.
Oh, and John, I really have thought about ripping the back seat out of the car for my dog. He'd fit a whole lot better <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
One more thing John...I can't take up your suggestion on ditching my car for a Toyota. I'm a Mercedes gal thru and thru <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> !!
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