Pet Auto Safety

I want to take my dogs with me when I visit my parents in Texas this year, but depending on my mode of travel, I will probably have to leave them in Kansas City. If I drive, I may be able to take my dogs with me. But it is a very long drive (12+ hours) during this time of year, I have to worry about driving in the snow. My other option is to fly. Whenever I fly to Texas, my dogs are sometimes allowed to fly as well. But because they are so big they are only allowed to go as cargo and only if the weather is not too hot or too cold. Due to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), animals are only allowed to fly as cargo during moderate temperatures. The holidays get very cold here in Kansas city so if I fly, chances are that the weather will be too cold for the dogs to fly as well. Check out PetsOnTheGo.com for more information on the regulations regarding pets flying on commercial flights.

So what do I do with my pets to ensure that they are properly taken care of during the holidays? Since you may also be leaving your pets behind while you travel this holiday season, there are a few options I’d like to share with you. The first thing you can do to have your pets taken care of during the holidays is to have a friend or family member take care of them. Or you could hire a pet sitter. And another option is to leave your pet(s) at a boarding kennel. We will go over the benefits and disadvantages of each of these options over a period of three parts. Today is Part One which covers the benefits and disadvantages of having a friend or family member take care of your pet(s) during the holidays.

Have a Friend or Family Member Take Care of Your Pet(s)

This is probably the best option if you have a friend or family member who is not also traveling out of town for the holidays - Especially if your friend or family member is very familiar with your pets. Your dog or cat will know you are gone and it will help their anxiety if someone else is around that they know and love. If this is an option for you, the next thing to decide is if your pet will stay at your friend’s house or if your friend will periodically come by your house. There are benefits and drawbacks for both of these.The benefit of your pet staying at your friend’s house is that your friend will provide almost constant companionship and monitoring. The drawback of your pet staying at your friend’s house is that your friend may not know your pet’s habits and therefore may not be as observant as required. For example, if you cat likes to slip outside when you are not paying attention, or your dog tends to dig under or jump over the fence when they are outside, or your pet likes to get into the garbage.

The benefit of your pet staying at your home and having your friend or family member come by is that your pet is in familiar territory. Some pets may not do well when they are away from home, even if it is with someone they know. The drawback to having your friend come by is that something may come up where they are unable to make a visit. With no other alternative in place, your pet may be left alone for very long hours with no chance to eat or go outside to potty. Not only that, this would be a great inconvenience for your friend or family member if they do not live within a few minutes of your house. Another drawback is that your pet may have separation anxiety because you are gone so long. Even your friend coming by may not be enough.

It is recommended for any dog who rides in the car to be secured in some way. There are many great products out on the market made just for the safety of traveling pets including dog car seat belts, dog car safety seats, carriers, and auto barriers. Before taking your dog for a ride in the car, it is a good idea to get them used to the auto safety device you are going to use.

Dog car seat belts can generally also be used as a harness for walking. Use the harness for this purpose as much as possible. You can even allow the dog to wear it around the house while under your supervision.  Once they are used to wearing it, they are less likely to try to struggle out of it.

If you are going to use a dog car safety seat, allow your pet to use it as a pet bed first.  Then when they use it in the car, they will feel more comfortable because they are in a familiary place.  Pet car seats should be used with a harness so also get them used to wearing this device as described above.

For dogs who are going to ride in a travel carrier, try crate training them first. Visit Training Tips for Dogs for help on Crate Training your pet.  Once the crate becomes a second home for your pet, putting them in the crate during a car ride will be much less stressful for them.

An auto barrier would be the simplest for your dog to get used to.  Simply install the device and take your dog for a ride.  If it makes them anxious because they can’t be close to you, take them for short rides at first to places they would love to go.  Evenutally, they will be less anxious about the barrier.

      

Does your dog love to travel in the car with you? You and your family wear seat belts when riding in the car. Does your pet? If you have not considered it, here are eight important reasons why your dog should wear a pet auto seat belt:

1. The dog won’t be able to distract the person driving the car. Distractions an be very dangerous to the driver. Some dogs are naturally well-behaved in the vehicle but many dogs have to be trained car-riding decorum. Why not train them in the pet auto seat belt instead?

2. Sudden unexpected stops won’t cause the dog to fly forward into the dash, the back seat, or onto the floor. Dog’s noses are very sensitive. Hitting their nose on the dash or back of the seat can be a very painful experience.

3. The dog won’t be able to put their head out the window. Did you know that even a tiny spec of flying debris can do serious damage to the dog’s eyes or nose? Many dogs love to put their heads out the window, but it can be an equally pleasant experience if they are sitting in a pet auto seat belt by an open window. They won’t be able to put their heads out, but they can still get a whiff of the multiple odors zipping by.

4. Not only will the dog not be able to put their head out the window, they won’t be able to get their body out either. Dogs are instinctive creatures and if something catches their attention, such as another dog, a squirrel, or other animal, they may go after it without a thought. Perhaps your dog is too smart to do this, but why take the chance?

5. Many dogs will run or even bite if frightened. What if you and your pet happen to be in a serous auto accident? Your dog is going to be terrified. If there is a means of escape, the dog may get out of the car and run. And where are they most likely to run? It would be a terrible thing to survive an auto accident only to get hit by a car. Even if there is no way for the dog to escape, they may need medical attention. An injured dog may react defensively by tying to bite someone who is actually trying to help them. A dog that is already restrained however, is easier to muzzle and therefore, easier to attend to.

6. Did you know that some states are beginning to require pet restraints for dogs traveling in the vehicle? These types of laws may get more restrictive and could soon be required in other states as well. Get ahead by purchasing a pet auto seat belt now. If you wait until your state passes such a law, there will be businesses that will take advantage of the requirement and raise the prices on their products.

7. A pet auto seat belt can actually be quite comfortable once the dog gets used to it. For small dogs, a pet car seat in conjunction with the seat belt can also be extremely comfortable.  Dogs can have a difficult time laying down in a seat because of the turning, speeding up, slowing down, and stopping movements of the car. Many dogs can brace themselves better by standing or sitting. With a pet auto seat belt or pet car seat, a dog can stand, sit, or lay down comfortably and not have to worry about bracing themselves against car maneuvers.

8. Last but not least, a pet auto safety belt shows you to be a responsible and caring pet owner as well as a responsible driver. Friends and strangers will be impressed with your thoughtfulness and foresight. They in turn, may consider getting a pet auto seat belt for their own dog. You could be indirectly responsible for saving another dog’s life.As you can see, all eight reasons are excellent reasons for your dog to wear a pet auto safety belt. Any argument against it are easily outweighed by the examples above. So do what is safe, what is best for you and your pet, and in some states, what is required by law. You and your dog will be all the happier for it.

One of the most traumatic events I have ever witnessed was on the highway as I was traveling from Austin to San Antonio, Texas. It was about six years ago on a bright sunny day and I was looking forward to the barbecue my sister was having at her home. There were numerous vehicles on the road but not enough to slow travel. As I was cruising along, a red pickup several car-lengths ahead caught my eye. The truck itself was not what captured my attention, it was the big dog in the bed of the truck. The dog was obviously happily enjoying the ride. His mouth was open, his tongue was hanging out, and the wind was rushing passed his face as he hung his head over the side. The dog looked like a German shepherd mix with mostly black fur and a few tan highlights on his ears, eyebrows, and muzzle. Like a German shepherd, he had the big pointed ears and long shepherd-shaped head and muzzle. He had a nice black coat and a long furry tail that curled over his back. He must have been loved because he looked healthy and happy. It’s too bad the owner’s didn’t consider the danger of their dog riding in the back an open pickup.

Not too long after I noticed the dog in the pickup, the pickup swerved violently, probably to avoid another car or something in the road. But in swerving out of the way, the beautiful dog flew out of the bed of the truck. He crashed onto the roadway and rolled helplessly into the oncoming traffic. I didn’t have time to notice if the dog survived the impact when a huge semi came along. Unable to avoid the dog without causing a wreck, the semi hit the dog and the dog rolled under several of its huge wheels. I gasped with horror at the sight and nearly gagged as I passed by the twisted and tangled body of the now obviously dead dog.

Now every time I see a dead dog on the side of the road, I wonder if it is the result of some other careless pet owner who never considered their pet’s safety on the road. If you have a dog that loves to ride in the truck as you take him to the lake or dog park, please use a tether to keep him restrained or purchase a topper for the back of the truck. You may be the best driver in the world, but you can’t predict the actions of other drivers. At any moment, you may have to slam on your breaks or be forced to swerve out of the way of another vehicle, and your dog could be lost to a terrible and tragic death.

Another thing to consider is that some cities in the US have regulations about dogs riding unrestrained in the back of a pickup. In order to abide by these city ordinances, buy a topper for your truck, keep the dog in a restrained carrier, or keep the dog restrained with a truck cross tether. The ordinance is not only for your pet’s safety, but for the safety of other people on the road as well. Had the driver of the semi decided to swerve to miss the dog, he could have hit another vehicle or rolled or jack-knifed his truck. A big rig such as that could have caused a serious and deadly accident for many. So drive safe and protect yourself and all the members of your family.

When you have a dog in your car, there are many safety issues that you should be aware of.  Just like using a cell phone in the car has been statistically proven to increase the prospect of getting into a car accident, so too does a dog in the car have similar risks.  And just like driving while talking on your cellular phone, there are precautions that should be taken so that you can avoid a serious situation involving you and your loved ones.  

A dog car seat belt can make regular driving much safer.  By providing your pet with a comfortable, secure location your vehicle, you are giving yourself the time and focus to react to any problems that may come your way on the open road.

Many dogs love to ride in the car. You see them often with their noses to the wind and a happy doggy grin on their face. So you know dogs can enjoy a car ride but perhaps you are not sure how to get your dog to enjoy it too. Whether you have a puppy or an older dog, here are a few tips to help help your dog enjoy the car ride.

First, you need to consider using a pet auto safety device such as a pet car seat, dog seat belt, or pet carrier. If you use a pet auto safety device for your pet, you need to allow your pet time to get used to it. If you are using a pet car seat, for example, allow your pet to use as a bed for a short time before putting it in the car. If you are using a dog seat belt, put the safety harness on the dog (without the buckle strap attached) and allow them to wear it around the house (with supervision). If you are using a crate, crate train your pet first.

Tip #1 - To Help to Prevent Vomiting or Voiding in the Car
* Do not give them anything to eat for an hour or two before the ride.
* Don’t allow them to drink excessively.
* Allow your dog to take a potty break just before going for a ride.

Tip #2 - Take Short Fun Trips
Once your dog is used to the pet auto safety device, start taking them somewhere they will enjoy.  This will help them learn to associate a car ride with these special places.
* Go to the park.
* Visit the pet store.
* Take your pet with you to visit a friend.
* Take your pet with you when you are only going to a drive-through such as at a bank or fast-food place.
* Go to a coffee shop or restaurant where you can sit outside.

Never take your dog someplace where you will have to leave them unattended in the car. The inside of a car is not safe for a pet, even if it is not hot outside or the windows are rolled down. Not only are there dangers, but it could also cause your pet to get lonely, anxious, or nervous. If your dog already fears a car ride, leaving them alone in it is not going to help.

Tip #3 - Sooth Your Pet
* Give your dog a familiar object like their favorite toy or blanket.
* Talk to your dog in a soothing voice while you drive. This may help calm them. However, every dog is different. Some dogs may get more excited by the sound of your voice, in which case you should ignore them. Try both talking and silence to see which works best for your pet. Try not to scold your pet. Positive reinforcement is the best way to make a car ride enjoyable. Do not let your talking to the dog distract you from your driving. It is also recommended that you do not pet them while you drive. Not only can this distract you from the road, it may also encourage the dog to pester you for more attention.
* Try playing the radio for your pet. Soothing music may have a calming effect on some pets. But most importantly, the sound of music will help cover the loud and unfamiliar sounds of the road. A passing semi, for example, may be a familiar sound to us, but the rumbling of these big trucks can be terrifying for a dog who has never heard them before.
* Open a window. Even if the loud sounds of the road are a problem for your pet an open window may provide a distraction of new and interesting smells for your dog. Most dogs seem to love this aspect of car rides. Your dog should not be able to stick their head out the window while using a restraint, but they should still be able to catch those exciting scents.
* If possible, have someone sit in the back seat with your dog.  They can provide the petting and comfort that you, as the driver, can not.

Safer Summertime Trips 

Dogs and summertime rides just seem to go together!  Dogs love to go with us everywhere.  They love to stick their heads out the window while the vehicle is moving.  And dogs love to move around the interior of the vehicle.

But while all these seem like perfectly harmless things to do, any one of these actions can place our best beloveds in enormous danger.  Why?

       In a matter of minutes, the interior temperature of the vehicle can exceed safe limits for your dog, even when the temperature outside seems moderate. 

       Your dog can experience damage to its eyes from flying debris and wind.  It can also be injured falling or jumping from the vehicle window.

       In the event of an accident, your dog could become a projectile, being thrown about the cabin of the vehicle.  This can injure not only your dog, but also you and any other passengers. 

How can we make the journey safer for our dogs, while still allowing them to enjoy the summertime ride?

       A pair of BreezeGuard™ Screens can allow for a cross breeze, keeping the vehicle cooler for your pet.

       BreezeGuard™ screens allow your dog full access to the window, while still preventing it from falling or jumping out

       BreezeGuard™ screens make your dog more likely to stay in one spot—near the BreezeGuard™!—where it won’t usually mind wearing a seatbelt.

Our dogs have become our fur-babies for many of us.  We wouldn’t dream of driving around the town without a car seat for a kid.  We certainly wouldn’t let our kids stick their heads out of the car window while we drive.  And of course we expect our kids to sit in their own seats when the vehicle is moving.  Shouldn’t we have those same expectations and feelings for our fur-babies? 

Protect your pet with the same love, care and concern you give to all the members of your family.  Make your summer travels even safer with BreezeGuard™ products, so you and your dog can enjoy the open road.

Finding Accommodations
Even though I only live four hours from St. Louis, I have never been there. So I made plans to visit this 4th of July weekend. The first thing I had to do was decide whether or not I was going to take the dogs. I considered a boarding kennel, a pet sitter, or leaving my dogs with a friend. But because it was a holiday weekend, these options were going to be hard to come by. So I decided to take them with me. Once this was determined, I needed to find a hotel that would allow my pets. After some research online at www.PetsWelcome.com, I found that the Sheraton generally accepts pets.

Pre-travel Preparation
Once the hotel was booked, the next thing was to prepare for the trip. I had to not only pack for myself, but for the dogs as well. I packed their food bowls, water bowls, leashes, food, doggy biscuits, doggy poopie bags, crates, dog beds, and most importantly, extra water. I made sure they were in good health (both just had check-ups at the vet a couple weeks ago), that their tags were secure on their collars and up to date, and that my car was prepared for them. The back seat of my car has a car seat cover and I added the Extend-A-Seat which would give them extra room and keep them off the floor. My dogs wore their pet auto safety belts. The strap which buckles into the seat belt receptacle of the car was extended a little so that they had more room to move around but were still safe and secure.

While Traveling
On the way to St. Louis, we stopped at the rest stops along the way. There were three of them, each about 40-60 miles apart. Every interstate highway in the US has rest stops. I made sure the dogs only did their business in the pet area since the rest stops had a place designated specifically for pets. And I made sure I picked up after them. I also gave them water at each stop. Both dogs did great. No one got car sick. Maya was bored and tended to move around a lot, but because of her pet seat belt and the Extend-A-Seat, she was not able to bother me while I drove.

At the Destination
Both dogs were well-behaved at the hotel as well. Maya was a little hyper and wanted to greet everyone but I kept a hold of her leash and made sure she did not jump on or lick anyone. When I left the hotel and had to leave them behind, I kept them in their crates as required by hotel policy. I did not get any reports about them so I assume that they did not bark after I left. I did not always leave the dogs in the hotel when visiting St. Louis. I took them walking even went to a couple of nearby parks.

All-in-all it was a great trip. We all had a good time and we all kept safe. You and your pets can have a safe and pleasant time traveling as well. Just remember the four basics: Accommodation, Preparation, Travel, and Destination.

If your vehicle has passenger side airbags that can not be deactivated, then your dog should not be sitting in the front seat. This is true even if your dog is wearing a pet car safety harness or is in a pet safety travel seat. There is a warning in your vehicle manual and sometimes even on the visor that states no children under a certain age and no children in car seats are to be in the front seat. The vehicle manual generally does not state anything about pets but the same applies. This is because airbags are designed to protect adults and rather than save your pet, an airbag may end up seriously harming or possibly killing your pet instead.

So before allowing your dog to sit in the front seat, make certain that the front passenger side of your vehicle does not have airbags or that those airbags are turned off. And make sure that your dog is wearing a pet car safety harness or is secured to a pet safety travel seat.

It’s summer and it’s HOT! The most important thing to remember to bring when you travel with your dog this summer is water. Just like people, dogs can get dangerously dehydrated in the heat. And just like people, they could die from heat exhaustion.

Prevention:
No matter where you travel this summer, be sure you bring lots and lots of water. You can get water along the way at convenient stores but convenient stores are not always conveniently located. You will need water not only for yourselves, but for your pets as well. Be sure to bring enough for everyone. If you are traveling a long distance by car, having water on hand could be a lifesaver. And don’t forget the dog’s water bowl when you travel. There is a huge variety of pet travel bowls that are small and easy to carry no matter where you go. Some pet travel bowls are collapsible and could even fit in your pocket, making it easy to provide water for your dog when in the car, at the park, camping, or on a long hike.

Older dogs, overweight dogs, puppies, dogs with short pushed-in faces, and dogs with health problems are more susceptible to heat exhaustion than other dogs.  You may want to consider leaving your dog at home, with a friend, or in a boarding kennel rather than taking him with you.

Emergency Care:
If your dog is panting loudly and excessively, salivating more than normal, vomiting, lethargic, and/or the skin on the back of the neck does not spring back to normal when pinched, then these are signs of possible dehydration. If you think your dog is dehydrated, get him out of the sun and somewhere cool as soon as you can. Try to get him to drink some cool water and give him ice if you have any. If there is a pool of cool water nearby or even a water hose, allow your dog to get wet. And be sure to allow your dog to continue to pant. Dogs don’t sweat like we do so panting is their way of cooling down. If you don’t notice any changes within 15 minutes, get your dog to the vet immediately. Heat exhaustion can cause your dog to go into shock. It can also cause some serious damage to your dog’s organs.