If you have your dog travelling with you in the car, you should remember that your pet can be injured in accidents just like the human occupants.

How do you drive safely in a car with a dog?

 

 

Everyone loves the image of a dog in the passenger seat with its head out the window, enjoying the breeze. But if the dog is not properly strapped in, we are not only putting his life at risk, but also our own.

 

In the event of an accident at a speed of only 50 km/h, an unrestrained medium-sized dog will hit the windscreen, the front seat or a passenger with a force of around 12,000 newtons. The faster the car is travelling, the greater the risk of injury or death.

In other words, a 27kg dog turns into a projectile with a mass of more than one tonne at a speed of only 50km/h.

 

A dog travelling in the car poses an additional danger if it runs around unrestrained in the car and distracts the driver. Furthermore, in the event of an accident, a loose dog will try to protect its owner when the emergency services get it out of the car.

 

There are different variations of dog harnesses, seat belts or safety nets to securely fasten the dog in the car if a larger dog is travelling in the back of the car.

 

Further tips for driving safety

 

Brush your dog well before travelling so that his coat and skin do not itch and make him restless.

Bring a blanket or toy for the dog.

Do not take your dog hungry.

Have the most important first aid equipment for the dog with you.

Keep the dog strapped in for a short time so that it does not stick its head out of the window.

Some dogs suffer from travel sickness. Seek advice from your vet before long car journeys.

Never leave your dog alone in the car for long periods of time.