How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car
Whether they are a Labrador, a Yorkshire terrier, or simply a mystery mutt, your dog is a part of the family. At Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Little Rock, AR, it is our priority to keep you, your family, and pets safe in your vehicle. Cars are, naturally, designed to keep humans safe, but they don’t generally have built in safety features for your furry friend. Here are our top recommendations to make sure you and Fido have a safe, worry-free drive!
Keep Your Dog Secure
Your dog may enjoy roaming around the back seat or the truck bed, but it definitely isn’t safe. It’s a no-brainer that a dog sitting in the driver’s lap is also hazardous.To keep your dog safe, it’s best to secure them in the back of the car in a containment system or crash-tested crate. The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) adopted Federal Motor Vehicle Standard 213 (FMVS 213), which regulates child vehicle restraints, as their guide for testing dog restraints. They offer a list of certified restraints on their website for dogs of all sizes. Possible options include the Innopet Commuter Carrier for small dogs, Sleepypod Clickit Sport for dogs up to 90 pounds, or Gunner G1 Kennels for dogs small to large.
Give Your Dog Access to Water
Dogs need frequent access to water. This is especially important for long car rides, but even if you’re running errands you should be prepared. Keep a water bottle and a bowl in your car for emergencies. If you’re in a pinch, your dog can drink from your cupped hand.
Roll up the Windows and Lock Them
Sure, it’s cute to watch your dog enjoy the breeze when they sticks their head out of the car window, but it’s just not safe. If you were to hit the brakes suddenly, your dog could slide forward and injure their neck. Jumpy dogs have been known to even hop right out of the car window, so it’s best to keep it closed. Make sure to lock electric window buttons, too, as your dog could accidentally open them with a paw.
Take a Break!
Make sure to take plenty of breaks! Traveling with a dog is a little bit like traveling with a toddler. They’re needy, whiny, and need plenty of potty breaks. Stop every 2 hours to allow your dog to do their business and stretch their legs. They’ll be much happier (and you honestly need the break, too).
Give Your Dog Some Air
Always make sure to control the climate of the car for your pet. Whether they need A/C or heat, keep them comfortable! Also, make sure to not leave your dog alone in a parked car, especially in extreme weather (hot or cold!). On warm days, even with a cracked window, the temperature inside the car can grow dangerously high in a matter of minutes. If you can’t bring your dog with you inside, it’s best to leave them at home or with a pet-sitter.
Need a new vehicle for you and your fluffy companion? At Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Little Rock, we have a wide variety of vehicles to suit your needs like the New 2020 Ram 1500. A Gunner G1 Kennel can be easily secured in the bed of the pickup for happy traveling, and safety features like available 360-degree Surround View Camera are sure to keep tails wagging. Come on down to our location on Colonel Glenn in Little Rock to take it for a spin. We’ll see you soon!
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