Safety First - Buckle Up Your Dog!

As well as highlighting all the fun things we can do with our pets during the summer months, PDSA's Pet Holiday Health campaign also aims to raise awareness of possible hazards. For pets, like humans, this includes travelling in a car without wearing a seatbelt.

One shocking statistic from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents highlights just how important it is that dogs buckle up. In a crash, an unrestrained pet could not only be seriously injured, but could seriously injure people in the car. For example, at 30 mph, a 50lb (22.5kg) Border Collie would be thrown forward with a force equivalent to a polar bear!

So, whether driving to a park to take your dog for a long walk, travelling to the seaside for a weekend break or transporting the family pet to a boarding house, remember to buckle-up! PetClub UK has a range of harnesses for all sizes of dog, many of which can then clipped in to the car's seat belt.

Before buying a harness:

• Make sure it's designed to be used in a car and is not just a walking harness.
• Check that it's suitable for your dog's size and weight.
• Ensure it fist properly with wide straps to distribute the forces safely across your dog's body, particularly the chest and shoulders.

Smaller dogs and other pets should always be safely secured in a well ventilated pet carrier, which has enough room for them to stretch and be comfortable.

According to the Department for Transport, 200,000 car accidents a year occur as a result of distractions within the vehicle, including pets, children and insects. Cars are not a natural environment for pets, so leading veterinary charity PDSA recommends that pet owners undertake travel training with their pet from an early age.

Getting pets used to the car and accustoming them to the idea that it is not a play area is vital! Pet owners are encouraged to let their pet freely explore the car with the engine turned off. Leave a few savoury training treats or the pet's favourite toy in the back seat to help them overcome any initial hesitancy or anxiety.

To ensure a safe journey with your pet, PDSA has published a free guide, PDSA Holiday Health for Pets, which offers advice to pet owners on how to prepare pets for holidays and how to travel them, whether they are going with you, staying at home with a pet-sitter, or going to a kennels or cattery.

PDSA's 7 step guide to safe travelling with pets:

1. Introduce your pet to the car from an early age - leave your car with the doors open, and let them explore inside the vehicle in their own time.
2. Always secure pets with a car safety harness or pet carrier - this will prevent any distractions and will also help keep you, any passengers, and your pet safe from harm in the event an accident.
3. Drive at a constant speed - pets are sensitive so it's important that the motion of your car remains stable, with no abrupt stops or sudden acceleration which could frighten your pet.
4. Take pets for a walk before each long car journey - it's a great way of burning off any excess energy your pet may have, which can lead to restlessness in the car.
5. Make regular stops - it gives your pet a chance to stretch their legs and refresh themselves with plenty of drinking water.
6. Never let a dog lean its head out of a window - this leaves a pet's eyes and nose vulnerable to small stones kicked up from the road. At worst there is the risk of your pet being struck by another vehicle or roadside trees or hedges.
7. Give pets a reward after each car journey - it will encourage good behaviour and also keep your pet happy and relaxed for their next trip.

Steve Leonard, TV presenter and PDSA Veterinary Surgeon says: "Cars are an alien environment to pets, but by being patient and taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure that a car journey with your pet is safe and enjoyable for all."

Related Articles:

• Training Your Disobedient Dog
• Training Your Puppy
• Giving Your Dog a Treat

Copyright © PetClub UK Ltd. 2007

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