Using a car harness for your dog will make journeys a safer experience - for both you and your dog. It helps drivers to concentrate on driving, minimising distraction and increasing visibility by keeping your dog under control in the car.
Here are just a few reasons why you should use a dog car harness.
- To control a lively or nervous dog in the car
- Prevent the dog from distracting or interfering with the driver
- Prevent the dog from escaping through a window or open car door
- Protect the dog from injuring itself and passengers in case of an accident or heavy braking
It's advisable for your dog to always travel on the rear seats of your car, as many modern cars now have safety bags for both front passengers and drivers. These are not designed with dogs in mind! But the main reason is for driver safety and to minimise distractions!
Are you legally required to use a car restraint for your dog in the UK?
The short answer is no, but perhaps it should be! The Highway Code only recommends that you use a car harness for your dog, or a pet carrier, cage or car guard. However, the police could still charge you with not having full control over your motor vehicle.
The grim truth is that if involved in a car crash an unsecured dog of average weight, say 20 kg, travelling at just 30 mph, would project the same force as an un-belted small child. This will cause passengers serious or life threatening injuries. So is it really worth the risk?
What kind of dog harness should I choose?
Under heavy braking or in an accident your dogs weight is absorbed across the shoulders so for large dogs, it is important to choose a car harness which has a padded chest piece. Extra small dogs do not require this extra padding.
For the comfort of your dog, it is best to choose a harness which is fully adjustable with quick fastening click buckles and which will allow your dog freedom to sit, turn around or lie down on the seat. A swivel mechanism stops the car harness for becoming entangled, whilst giving your dog sufficient freedom to move.
If you only intend to walk your dog short distances, you can simply attach a lead to the car harness. This will allow you to move your dog safely in or out of the car easily. However, if you want to use the harness for obedience training or long country walks it's advisable to purchase a separate dog harness.
It is important to measure your dog before purchasing a car harness, as breed sizes vary. Also, you will often find the gender of your dog will affect the size of the safety car harness you select.
Hi-Craft Harness for Dogs
The Hi-Craft Car Dog Harness is made from light-weight nylon for strength and durability and is currently available in five sizes - X Small, Small, Medium, Large, X Large. So there is sure to be one that is a perfect fit for your dog.
The Hi-Craft Dog Car Harness is fully adjustable with quick fastening click buckles. The swivel mechanism stops the harness from becoming entangled, whilst giving your dog sufficient freedom to move in the car with ease or without stress.
Debbie McKay writes for ValuPets.com - providing help and advice to all pet owners. Specialists in dog safety, including the Hi-Craft Dog Car Harness, dog food, cat food plus supplies for small animals, fish, reptiles and birds. Browse www.valupets.com for more information on discount pet supplies and accessories.
No comments:
Post a Comment