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Restraining Pets in Cars- Pet Safety Tips

In Automotive, Car Tips, Pet Safety, Uncategorized on August 29, 2013 at 9:00 am

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Ensuring your pet arrives at your vacation destination safely is a simple and inexpensive endeavor.

With the dog days of summer here, you are probably gearing up to take your family on the vacation of a lifetime/ plan to take your pets with you when traveling . Whether your vacation destination is a sandy stretch of sun-soaked shoreline on a tropical island or the rocky cliffs and peaks that comprise a nearby mountain range, if you’re planning to take your pet along for the ride, it’s imperative to keep them properly restrained inside your vehicle. At Avis Ford in Southfield, we know your pets are family members too, so we’ve tracked down some tips for keeping your canine companion safe during all your summer travels.

cat in carrier in a vehicle

The easiest way to ensure your pet arrives at your destination unharmed is to prevent him from being able to escape from the vehicle and take off running should you be involved in a minor fender-bender or a major collision. In the event of a car accident and are injured in the process, you want to make sure your dog remains contained inside the vehicle until help can arrive. While attaching his leash to the inside the vehicle is an option, it’s better to visit your local pet supply store to purchase a pet crate or carrier to safely contain your dog before you hit the open road. Pet-safe carriers are sturdy structures that will protect your dog from debris and other dangers if your vehicle is involved in an accident.

If your dog is too large to be crated, consider purchasing a dog safety restraint device that attaches on one end to his collar or harness and around a buckled seat belt on the other. This option allows your dog to move around a bit on the seat of the car but keeps him safely inside the vehicle if a collision occurs and you aren’t able to grab a hold of him yourself.

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In addition to ensuring your dog is safely restrained inside your car while you’re driving, remember to never leave your pet in a hot car when outside temperatures exceed 65 degrees. The temperatures inside your parked vehicle can skyrocket in a matter of mere minutes, making it difficult for your dog to breathe and potentially resulting in heatstroke or even death. At Avis Ford in Southfield, we encourage you to keep your dog safe when you travel by investing in equipment to restrain him properly and refraining from leaving him unattended in your car on a hot summer day.