Author: Colleen Mihelich
Source: ezinearticles.com
Many people love to travel with their dogs. Taking your dog on vacation can be a special treat for the whole family and can help you create great memories that will last forever. Even for those who do not want to take dogs on trips with them, there are still times when it will become necessary to put your dog in the car and bring him somewhere, such as to the vet or to visit friends or family.
When bringing your dog on a car trip, you want to make sure that your dog is safe. Many dogs have suffered injuries in car accidents as a result of being improperly transported. Some of these poor dogs have even died and ended up prematurely in a dog urn or under a pet memorial stone. No one wants to see this fate befall their family pet, so there are some very important safety procedures you should follow to ensure that the day your dog ends up under a pet headstone is a long way into the future.
First, you want to make sure that your dog is secured within the vehicle. While it may seem cute to drive around with your dog sitting on your lap or the lap of your passengers, this is not a wise idea. In the event of a car accident, an improperly secured dog could fly through the windshield or hit his head on the ceiling of a car and be killed. Even if the dog survives the actual accident, he will probably be startled and if not properly secured may run away into traffic once the car is stopped.
There are two good ways to properly secure your dog in the car. The first is to use a high quality dog crate. Metal crates often work best and are the safest since they are heavy and unlikely to be thrown through a windshield. A metal crate can even be seat belted into the seat. In order to fit a metal crate into your car, however, you will need a large enough vehicle to accommodate the crate. This may not be an option for everyone.
Fortunately, there is another solution available for those who cannot fit a dog crate into their cars. Dog seatbelts can secure your dog in place and ensure that he remains in place in the event of an accident. Made of durable nylon or vinyl, most dog seatbelts fit like harnesses over your dog and can be attached to the car vehicle a regular seatbelt. These provide your animal the freedom to move and sit comfortably, but do not allow for injury or for your dog to roam free in the car. This serves two purposes: securing your dog in the event of an accident and helping to ensure that no accident occurs because your dog cannot jump on your lap, startle you, or otherwise distract you from the road.
Make sure when you take your pet somewhere that you account for their safety in order to put off the day you must purchase a dog urn. You would not allow your child to ride in the car without proper protection. Doesn’t your furry friend deserve the same consideration?
Colleen Mihelich
Owner, Peternity… honoring your pet for eternity
http://www.peternity.com
colleen@peternity.com
877-PET-PEACE