Dog Crates Dogs and Automobiles

I saw a short news item this morning on the national news. I quickly reversed my DVR. Seems they don’t want our pets to ride in our cars and trucks without some sort of seat belt or dog crate. This prompted this post I like to call Dog Crates, Pets and Automobiles.

It caught my eye because I am a dog owner plus I offer dog transport and containment products on my website. That’s fancy talk for dog crates, heavy duty dog crates, pet carriers and dog pet strollers.

I can just imagine new legislation coming down the road as we speak. Some folks are simply too trusting or too doting on their dogs while in the car. By the way, this is a study from AAA. We all know and trust AAA, don’t we.

Actually, I don’t think they are entirely wrong. I don’t take my dog in the truck that often since 101 degrees is common in Central California. It’s just too dangerous for my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Tessa.

Your dog’s safety while away from home, in or out of the car, is your responsibility. Dogs will do what dogs do. They simply can’t be trusted to always do the same things or act the same way. You must always be on guard with safety in mind.

This article and video does not mention the poll that was takes which says, by an overwhelming majority, that dogs in cars should be secured in a crate while traveling.

Here’s that video from Fox News along with the article. Enjoy and learn.

AAA Study: Dogs Cause Driving Distractions

Updated: Wednesday, 18 Aug 2010, 10:26 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 18 Aug 2010, 10:26 PM CDT

Jody Ambroz / FOX 9 News

MINNEAPOLIS – Cell phones, screaming children, and loud music all cause distractions for drivers. Now, a new study from AAA shows driving under the influence of your dog could be just as dangerous.

Some dogs seem like they’re born to ride in the car, but their freedom is also a big distraction for drivers. Debbie Wright admits riding in the car with her two greyhounds isn’t easy.

Wright said, “One of my dogs almost likes to help me drive. She comes up next to me and … wants to look out the front.”

A study from AAA finds many pet owners are distracted by their pets in the car, and the danger can lead to crashes. About two thirds of dog owners surveyed routinely drive while petting or playing with their pooches, sometimes even giving them food or water.

AAA said if a 10-pound dog is loose in a car and it crashes at 50 miles per hour, the pet could exert 500 lbs of pressure–endangering the pet and anyone in its’ path.

Safety experts recommend pet restraints found at many pet stores. Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet in Bloomington sells restraints. The harness slides on easily over the pet, and snaps into the seat belt.

Assistant Manager Daniel Nelson said, “The main thing is, they’re going to keep the dog stationary, so they’re not distracting the driver.”

Pet stores also sell dividers, to separate pets in the backseat from the driver in the front seat. The pooches might not like being in the back, but a few minutes of frustration is a small price for a safe ride.

There are so many items available to secure your dog in your car or truck. A dog crate is just one way. I simply can’t imagine being in an accident. If the dog survived he or she would probably head for the hills never to be seen again. I can’t imagine an air bag going off with your Yorkie in your lap while driving or for that matter, as a passenger as well.
Please remember . . . . . .

“She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are her life, her love, her leader. She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart. You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion.”  ~~Unknown

Many thanks for taking the time to look over Dog Crates, Pets and Automobiles. I hope it has been informative and will move you to seriously consider taking additional precautions when driving with your dog in the car or truck. They are obviously very important to you or you would have left them at home.

The original post and story can be found at MyFox9.com.