Important Features To Consider When Selecting Dog Seat Belts

Buckle up… It’s the law! Relax, I was talking to your pooch about dog seat belts.

How many times have you seen this sign on the highway?

Well, seat belt laws are being enforced more and more.

And many localities have added laws to their books that require the use of dog seat belts when your pup is in the car.

There are many good reasons to restrain your dog while in a vehicle. Some for the safety of the dog… but many others for public safety.

The studies show that vehicle seat belts reduce the number of serious injuries and save lives.

Why not extend these safety benefits to your family pooch with dog seat belts?

An unrestrained dog has little chance of grabbing onto something for protection in a collision… even a minor one.

Without dog seat belts, it is far more likely that in the case of a collision, the dog will continue to travel forward until impacting on the seat, windscreen, or another passenger.

For the safety of your dog, it’s a good idea to use either dog seat belts or one of the vehicle dog restraints listed below that are readily available online.

But there are also many public safety reasons for your dog to wear dog seat belts.

There are occasions where an unrestrained dog can interfere with the driver’s control of the vehicle with unfortunate and sometimes disastrous results.

An excited dog, no matter how loving and gentle a pet, can easily jump into the driver’s lap, block the driver’s view of other vehicles, or distract the driver enough to interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle while negotiating through traffic.

But when you are looking to purchase dog seat belts, you’ll want to make sure that you get the features that are right for your dog’s type and size.

What About Comfort?

I know that my dog loves to look out of every window like he’s watching all the movies at once down at the Cineplex.

And if your pooch is the type that just won’t stay still… or likes to walk in circles… make sure you choose dog seat belts that have a swivel feature.

A swivel feature will allow the dog seat belts to unravel as your pooch turns around and around… preventing your dog from becoming entangled.

How It Attaches To Your Dog

This is good news for your pooch!

These harnesses are designed not to choke or cinch your dog’s abdominal area, and distribute the force of an impact over the stronger areas of a dog’s chest.

And never attach seat belts or restraint systems to your dog’s collar. In the event of an accident your dog’s neck and throat could be seriously injured on impact.

Quality Of Construction

We all know that you get what you pay for… so don’t skimp on quality.

Look for seat belt quality buckles, latches and adjusters… just like your seat belt.

Remember, for the proper protection, your dog’s seat belt restraint should be just as reliable as passenger seat belts or child and infant car seat restraints.

Is It Easy To Use?

A dog seat belt system must be easy to use. If it’s a hassle to put on and take off your dog… connect or disconnect… you’ll be less likely to use it.

And that doesn’t help anyone!

This is not just a safety issue… or a matter of personal convenience. Remember, in some areas it’s the law.

And noncompliance can result in stiff fines and dogs being confiscated and brought to the pound…only to be released when their owners’ show up with proper dog seat belts!

Doubles As An Everyday Harness

Look for a dog seat belt system that can be used as an everyday harness.

Wouldn’t it be great to just release your dog’s seat belt, attach his leash and off you go?

One simple… quick… universal harness system. Now that’s what I call convenient!

A seat belt harness system that can double as an everyday harness for your pooch is indeed a great feature.

But here’s a word of caution… ordinary dog harnesses should not be used with restraining systems.

Although your dog’s ordinary harness may work with many restraining systems, it wasn’t designed to withstand an impact and protect your dog in the event of an accident.

Seat Belts For Extra Large Dogs

You’ll want to check the weight ratings to be sure it will offer adequate protection to you and your pooch in the event of collision.