Similar to human babies, you'll want to secure your fur babies in the back seat while driving to keep them safe. (Getty Images)(Getty Images)
If you've ever driven with your dog in the car, you know that it can be a little distracting. My family's 90-pound golden retriever liked to use his time in the car to convince us that he was a lap dog, and these days, my mini poodle's car anxiety has him trying to jump from the back to the front seat. It's not safe for anyone in the car to have a loose dog running around! That said, because my little guy is only 12 pounds, I purchased a dog car seat and a padded harness that attaches to the seat belt to keep him in place. Plenty of friends have teased me about having a car seat for my dog, so I turned to the experts — does your dog really need to be in a car seat or wear a special seat belt?
I reached out to Dr. Christina Carlo, DVM at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital, and Dr. Anthony Cordray, DVM at VCA Spring Mountain Animal Hospital, and both agreed that you should secure your pet in a moving vehicle. It's also recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
"If the pet is small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier, this will control their movements and should also make them less anxious about the moving car," says Carlo. "The carrier can then be secured in the back seat with the seat belt put around the base of the carrier.
I love that I can take out the soft lining and wash it between trips.
While it's pricey, the Sleepypod harness is the only car harness that's approved by the Center for Pet Safety. It comes in four sizes and multiple colors, all of which have been crash-tested for safety. When not in the car, you can, of course, attach a leash and use it like a regular harness.
This car seat is padded with memory foam to give dogs a spot to rest in the car. The long loops attach to the seats to keep it in place, and it has a built-in leash to clip to a harness. My dog especially likes that it's elevated, so he can see out the window a little better.
Protect your car's interior and your pet with this large, foam dog bed. It attaches to the seats to minimize movement and gives your dog a comfy spot to rest. It has a built-in strap to attach to a harness for added safety and the internal cushion is removable and machine-washable.
Larger dogs should have a harness that has a loop for the seat belt. Or, if your existing harness doesn't have a loop, a stand-alone attachment can be clasped to the harness for the seat belt to run through.
"Check for a vehicle harness that's suited both for your pets and your vehicle," Dr. Cordray explains. "Don’t forget to review the crash-test ratings, and it's preferred to have a harness that keeps your pet sitting upright as opposed to lying down."
The vets we spoke with further noted that your dog should be secured in the back seat — never the front. As cute as it might be to have them riding shotgun, it's much safer for them to sit behind you. Cordray says the ideal location is toward the center of the vehicle.
And this should probably go without saying, but, he adds: "At no point should a pet be allowed to be transported freely in the bed of a truck." If you don't have another option, your pet "should be in an appropriately sized and ventilated kennel that is properly secured to prevent movement during transport."
For my own dog, his car seat is really just a fluffy bed that helps him relax and keeps him secured. It has straps that attach to the seat to keep it from moving, but I also put a padded harness on him that clips into the seat belt. Other times, I bring his mesh pet carrier and strap it in with the seat belt. It makes him feel calm and keeps him from moving around too much.
With pets, car safety is one thing. Car anxiety is another, and it's very real (and traumatizing) for many dogs. If your dog is panting, shaking, moving around or even crying, it's likely stressed. My dog used to get anxious in the car (and still does when he thinks we're going to the vet or the groomer). We worked with a trainer who told us to make frequent, short trips, giving him plenty of treats along the way. We worked our way up to longer distances and took him to fun places like the park so the car didn't always mean we were going somewhere "scary." Even with training, your dog may need a little extra support from your vet.
"Some pets may need some anxiolytics or sedatives, and I would recommend speaking with your veterinarian if you feel like your pet would benefit from these," Cordray says.
And a final traveling-pet challenge that some people have to navigate? Carsickness. "Being carsick or the anticipation of this can cause them to become more anxious, vocal, and move around more," Carlo says. "If the pet gets carsick, they can be given Dramamine or Cerenia prior to the trip. Ask your vet for a dose."
If medications don't work or you can't get some on hand before a trip, consider a solution that will at least be easier to clean than your car's upholstery.
Need pet insurance for your beloved furry friend? Check out the offers below:
