If you are planning on taking your furry animal for a drive in Australia, then safety should be your primary priority.
As cars are designed based on the structure and mass of humans, while taking dogs, one must be very careful and considerate.
Projectile forces exerted by the dog while the brakes are applied can both damage the car and hurt the animal.
Yes, your dog needs a seatbelt while driving in Australia. Australian laws focus on ensuring you have a fun-filled drive without causing trouble to the animal and yourself. Driving long distances by keeping your pet from staying in the same place is improbable but not impossible. With the help of restraining seatbelts, both your pet and you can have a safe drive around the city.
Rules for restraining Dogs in the Car:
Dog restrainers are mandated by several laws to safeguard pets by keeping them from getting hurt.
Here are some guidelines to follow when restraining dogs in a car:-
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1. Use a dog seat belt or harness
Just like humans, dogs need to be secured when travelling in a car. You can use a dog car seat belt or harness that attaches to the car's seat belt system to keep your dog in place.
Train your dog to not bite the seatbelt and sit in the same place without trying to escape.
2. Use Dog Car Seat Covers with Mesh
Another option is to use a dog crate or pet car seat cover that keep dog secured in the backseat in the car.
This will keep your dog confined and prevent them from moving around during the trip.
Again, sufficient training is required to keep hyperactive dogs in place and crates can be unfavourable in small spaces if you have a huge dog, so being mindful of the proportion is essential. The hairs of the gods are also difficult to remove and if you are looking for some tips to remove dog hair from car then check our article.
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Foldable Dog Water Bottle, Bark Free Device For Dogs, Waterproof Calming Couch Cover For Pets and so on.
3. Don't let your dog ride in the front seat
It's important to keep your dog in the back seat or a crate, and never let them ride in the front seat.
If an airbag were to deploy, it could seriously injure your dog and suffocate it. Make sure to never drive with a pet on your lap as it can be life-threatening for the animal.
4. Don't let your dog stick their head out the window
Although many dogs love to stick their heads out the window, it's not safe to let them do so. They could be hit by debris or even fall out of the car when encountering a speed breaker. Closing the windows with a pet inside the car is recommended for safety.
5. Take breaks for exercise and potty breaks
If you're travelling long distances with your dog, be sure to take frequent breaks to let them stretch their legs and go potty.
This will help them stay comfortable and prevent accidents in the car. This will also prevent your car from getting soiled, avoiding discomfort. Take periodic potty breaks and keep your pet hydrated and well-fed.
5 Benefits of Restraining Dogs with Seatbelts
There are several benefits of restraining your dog with a seatbelt. A few of them are listed below:
Safety:
One of the most important benefits of restraining your dog in car with a seatbelt is safety. In the event of an accident or sudden stop, an unrestrained dog can become a projectile, putting themselves and other passengers at risk of injury. Ensuring minimal movement during the journey keeps your pet safe.
Prevent distractions:
An unrestrained dog can be a major distraction for the driver, which can increase the risk of an accident. By using a seatbelt, you can keep your dog in place and prevent them from moving around or jumping into the front seat. Keeping the dog in a place by using a seat belt and probably leaving toys around can keep them focused on the playthings rather than disturbing the driver.
Prevent escape:
Some dogs may try to escape from the car through an open window or door. This could be because of something flashy outside the car or anything that captured your dog's attention. This can cause your excited pet to forget it is in a car and jump outside the window. Using a seatbelt or harness can prevent your dog from escaping and potentially running into traffic or getting lost. It can also prevent road accidents to a large extent.
Comfort:
A properly fitted dog seatbelt or harness can provide comfort and support for your dog during long car rides. It can also help prevent motion sickness or anxiety in some dogs. The very little movement and a feeling of security comfort tiny and scared dogs who are not accustomed to going on drives.
Legal requirements:
In some states or provinces, it is a legal requirement to restrain your dog when travelling in a car. Failing to do so can result in a fine or penalty. Certain places have laws that might prevent you from driving around with your pet if the pet is not properly restrained. Following the law is always advisable.
Conclusion
Overall, making safe choices is what matters more than the fun and frivolity and following the above tips can put you and your pet in a very safe place. Implementing them all would not happen at once or during the second time as pets need to be trained and need time to understand and follow what is expected of them. Anxious pets need more attention during drives and must have a caretaker to not take care of them during the journey.