Keep your pup safe in the car!
By Johann The Dog On a very hot, 90 degree day in July 2007, coming back from an agility trial, me, my sis Gracie, and Mum were involved in a dangerous car accident on Interstate I-70 just west of Dayton, Ohio. It was a very scary situation, and one we don't ever want to repeat. But one thing is certain, if Mum hadn't had us restrained in the car...well, I just hate to think of what could have happened to me and Gracie. Here we will explore the ways in which you can keep your pup safe in your vehicle car when traveling. Why restrain? 
There are so many reasons to take precautions when traveling with your pup. Each year thousands of animals are injured, die or become needlessly lost in car accidents. Let's explore:
Your pup could distract you and cause an accident. If you were involved in an accident, your pup could escape from the car and become lost. They could be seriously injured or needlessly die if loose in your vehicle. Other equipment or items in your car can injure your pup in just a slight fender bender.
It doesn't have to be! Please be safe, be aware, be educated; and help educate and bring awareness to others.
Read on for more information on what you can do. And please remember, keep your pets out of the front seat and safe from the airbag! Travelling with your dog! Tips and info on the best way to travel with your dog! The top ten tips for safe car travel. Make sure you have all the supplies you need to safely and happily go on the road. Tips on traveling safely with your dog. Great tips and resources for traveling with your dog.
This is what we don't like to see!This is what we like to see! Types of dog restraints for automobiles!  There are several ways to restrain your dog in your automobile. It's a personal decision and one that is based on many individual factors. We'll explore here the various ways to help you make a more informed decision.
One of the most popular dog restraint for travelling in cars is the crate. Whether it's a soft crate, wire crate or plastic crate will depend on your individual circumstances and the available space in your vehicle.
Crates are a preferred choice when you have the space available, and the best choice when you have equipment in your car that can shift during an impact. All that equipment can be very dangerous, not only to you, but your pup.
Another good choice if you have one dog or dogs that get along well with each other, is a dog seat belt. They come in a wide variety of price ranges and you get what you pay for. Read our link on seat belt reviews to help you make a more informed decision.
If you have a small dog, a dog car seat may be a good choice. They come in several styles, and are secured with your seat belt, or an included restraint that attaches to your seat or seat belt. These help elevate your small dog so that they can easily see out the window, and are cushioned for comfort.
Great harnesses and seatbelts to keep your pup safe!  Lookout Type OS1
This is the perfect booster seat for small dogs that like to ride with you in the car and also see out the window. Features seatbelt slot to keep it securely in place, we also recommend using a harness for added security.
 Quick Stay
Most canine travel restraints are rarely used because they are confusing and difficult to put on. The Quick Stay, however, is as easy to fasten as your own seatbelt. It also has a unique, patented shock-absorbing design. Quick Stay easily snaps around a fastened seatbelt in any car and prevents your dog from moving around the car and possibly distracting the driver.  PetBuckle Seat Belt Harness
Secure your dog in your vehicle. See the description and information above for the details. The PetBuckle Travel Harness can be adjusted to fit any dog over 10 lbs. with a chest size of 14" or larger.  PetBuckle Travel Kit
The universal fit PetBuckle Travel Kit contains everything you need to safely protect your dog in your vehicle. It allows freedom of movement while your dog is safely secured and prevents your dog from distracting you while you drive. Your dog will still be able to watch out the window or lie down and sleep. Protect your loved one from sudden stops, starts, and mild collisions.
Dog restraints, an important part of travel for your pup! Here are some great articles we found on the subject of restraining your dog in your car, for their safety and yours! All kinds of great info on which dog seat belt is right for you! All about the different types of dog restraints! A dog car restraint is a great step in preventing injury to your pooch or other passengers. Read more! The final, critical component for responsible travel with a pet is to properly secure the animal. In an accident, an unrestrained dog becomes a projectile, risking serious injury to the animal and human passengers. To allow a dog loose in a car is put him at unnecessary and unfair risk. Read more! An unsecured dog in a moving vehicle is a potential danger to you, your passengers, your dog, and other motorists. Read more.
Great travel crates!  NozToNoz N2-Series Soft Dog Crates
A comfortable and well-ventilated crate for your dog that is lightweight, portable, and easy for you to carry. The one-piece patent-pending design allows this soft crate to be assembled or folded down in just seconds. The durable powder-coated steel frame and ingenius design makes it incredibly strong and sturdy.  NozToNoz X-Series Soft Dog Crates
The X-Series is considered the "professional" model in the NozToNoz series and comes with a few more bells and whistles than the N2-Series model. The frames of the two crates are identical.
 Avior Pet Carrier
The Avior Pet Carrier is a heavy duty plastic carrier that is lightweight and made to last! Featuring a front and rear door opening, storage compartment, a top access hole that allows you to tend to your pet, and seat belt slots for a safe, secure ride, this carrier is the ultimate in convenience and safety! Available in Blue, Gray, Yellow and Red, size 22.6 x 14.6 x 15.  Precision Pet Great Crate for Dogs
Here's a folding 2 door dog crate for everyday use that won't cost you an arm and a leg. It's built to last and it looks good too!  PetMate Vari-Kennel Traditional Pet Crate
Classic Kennel is reliable and practicle and is made with durability that will last for years. Assembles in seconds without tools, made of easy-to-clean, high impact plastic, and packed with features designed for your pet's safety and comfort.
Deluxe Canine First Aid Kit
 Deluxe Canine First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen so be prepared. The Deluxe Canine First Aid Kit is a high-quality first aid kit designed just for dogs. It contains over 40 veterinarian-recommended emergency items in a blue padded and insulated Thermos carrying case that is 10"L x 7"W x 3"D. This first aid kit also contains a 112-page book, Emergency First Aid for Your Dog by Dr. Tamara S. Shearer, which fits conveniently inside the cover of the kit.
A great first aid book for your car!
 First Aid for the Active Dog
It includes first aid treatments for all the common injuries and illnesses your dog might encounter outdoors. A detailed index and table of contents make this book quick to use. Small and light, it is perfect for a backpack or first aid kit. First Aid for the Active Dog is filled with life-saving techniques owners can use to deal with the type of emergencies they could encounter on a hunting trip, camping expedition, day hike or with any dog that works or plays outdoors. ©2005 Johannthedog.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Dogs With Blogs is very grateful to Johann for sharing this article with us. 
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