Do you spoil your pet dog?
Do you spoil your dog?
Australians love spoiling their dogs with everything from treats to customised doggy outfits. Is it possible to take our pampering too far?
As a nation, us Aussies love our dogs. Every dog owner knows that there’s no better way to show your dog just how much he means to you than by spoiling him rotten. Whether he’s a fashionista, food-obsessed or simply loves any toy he can wrap his teeth around, we’re willing to do just about anything to set that tail wagging.
Statistics
According to the Animal Health Alliance, Australian pet owners spend over $1.6 billion per year on pet products and accessories such as collars, leads and bowls. Crunch the numbers and you’ll discover that we spend almost as much on our dogs each week as we do on our household gas and electricity costs.
Are your pets are fully immersed into the family life? They can enrich our lives just as much as we enrich theirs. Coming home from a difficult day at work to a pet that is really excited to see their owner positively reinforces the amazing bond that pets and people have. This unconditional love that pets have for their owners inspires people to love their pets in return.”
Treating your pet is one of the great joys of dog ownership. After all, when you consider all the joy he brings into your life, the least you can do is brighten up his day as well.
Health Benefits
Most pets absolutely love to spend time with their owners and it doesn’t have to be hands-on or high-energy activity all the time. Simply allowing your pet indoors to watch TV with the family before bedtime keeps everyone happy.
Of course, spending time with pets can have plenty of benefits for people as well. Studies have shown that pets can reduce our stress levels, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce anxiety. In addition, owning a dog encourages you to get outside and live an active lifestyle, at the same time increasing your level of interaction with other people.
Can we take our desire to pamper our pets a little too far? Pet owners sometimes go ‘over the top’. Pets can develop hyper-attachment to their owners. It may lead to separation anxiety. While spending plenty of quality time with your pooch is vital, it’s important that she also feels comfortable on her own and won’t panic when her human family leaves.
Much loved member of the family? You should neglect to train desirable behaviours. Importantly for pets to be taught manners. It requires investment in training as well as consistency from all members of the family. Use positive training techniques rather than punishment, as punishing your pet can result in fear and anxiety.
Treating a dog as though it were human can create confusion for canines in certain circumstances. Maintaining consistency in the dog’s rules around the house is vital. Feeding your dog a proper diet designed to meet her nutritional needs, not one designed for humans.
As long as you don’t go overboard, pampering your pet is a great way to give her love.
Statistics
Most Australian households own at least one pet. For many, our pets have really become like human members of the family. Sharing our homes, they have different characters just like us. They add so much love and fun to our lives that it’s understandable that we want to spoil them.
How much do we love our pets?
A whole lot, according to a national pet report from Hill’s released earlier this year. The report revealed that:
1 in 2 pet owners get more affection from their pets than their partners or prefer to spend time with their pet than their friends
9 in 10 Australian pet owners see their pets as a valued member of the family
87 per cent of pet owners feel their pet has improved their relationship with their partner, brought balance to their lives or calmed their children
Women are almost twice as likely to talk to their pets about their problems
Over 17 per cent of pet owners felt they slept better with their dog or cat in the bed
MND News March April 2017 & Fundraising and Donations
Pet Stays Partners with MND Victoria
MND News: March/April 2017 & Fundraising and Donations. Pet Stays created by Jeannene Anchen whose father Richard died from MND in February 2015. Richard and Jeannene fundraised for MND together wherever they could and Jeannene promised her Dad that she would continue the fight to raise awareness and funds for MND, in the aim to help find a much-needed cure for this disease.
Since her father’s death, Jeannene has established a business Pet Stays, which provides a caring and safe home boarding option for pets. Jeannene will donate 10% of the profits from all pet bookings made through her website www.petstays.net.au to MND.
In time she will be offering pet-related products. She plans to also donate 10% back to Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
If you’re planning to be away and need someone to look after your pet please check out Jeannene’s website.
Contact via email on contact@petstays.net.au
MND Victoria provides and promotes the best possible care and support for people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
This includes a range of services to support people with MND, their carers, family, friends and health professionals.
Find out more information about Motor Neurone Disease or to make a donation just go to http://www.mnd.asn.au
My new four legged walking buddies Dog Walking
Well these are my new four legged walking buddies who I am now walking regularly each week.
Meet Oscar who is a Golden Retriever crossed with a Bernese Mountain dog.
Taj is a Border Collie and a quiet, older soul.
Dakota is the strongest and chatty one of the group. He is a Siberian Husky. He does not mind having a little howl.
They are all super well behaved and walk extremely well together.
Today we walked along the Maribyrnong River. The weather in Melbourne is still stunning to get out and about and do some exercise.
About Pet Stays
Pet Stays assists pet owners to find a trusted local pet sitter when they go away or even for pet daycare and walks. Offering peace of mind for your extended pet family, 24/7 customer service and we may even send photos of your pet on request.
We guarantee liability insurance but only when you book direct through www.petstays.net.au
24/7 customer service
Super easy to book online
Client reviews and ratings
My pet sitting community are passionate about pets offering personal and loving attention in their own homes or even yours.
Do you want to be a pet sitter with Pet Stays?
We offer you the opportunity to meet and greet new people and pets
Opportunity to promote your service and receive an income which you feel is appropriate.
Flexible hours and working environments
Secure online payments
Included is Pet Stays insurance cover if certain accidents unfortunately occur
Our aim is to ensure pet owners find a trusted local pet sitter when they go away or even for pet daycare and walks.
Our pet sitting community are passionate about pets offering personal, loving attention in their own homes or even yours
We can even text photos of your pet on request whilst you are out about on business or holidays
The opportunity to donate to MND
Giving back:
To give something back to the wider community through my donate now to MND. Your support is greatly appreciated Please assist if you can. No donation is too small.
A little about Motor Neurone Disease:
Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells – neurones – controlling the muscles that enable us to move around, speak, breathe and swallow, fail to work normally. With no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste. The patterns of weakness vary from person to person.
There is no known cure and no effective treatment for MND
Average life expectancy is 2.5 years*
MND is a progressive, terminal neurological disease
MND can strike anyone
Each day in Australia two people die from MND
Each day in Australia two people are diagnosed with MND
People with MND progressively lose the use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow and breathe, whilst their mind and senses usually remain intact
More than 2,000 people have MND in Australia or whom 60% are male and 40% are female*
Mean time from onset to confirmation of diagnosis is 10 to 18 months*
Prevalence of MND in 2015 was 8.7 per 100,000 people or 1 per 11,434 Australians*
Approximately 58% of people with MND are under the age of 65*
The total cost of MND in Australia was $2.37 billion in 2015. This equates to $1.1 million per person*
For every person diagnosed with MND it is estimated that a further 14 members of their family and their friends will live with the effect of MND forever
About Hip Dysplasia In Dogs. Does Your Dog A Veterinarian
HIP DYSPLASIA IN DOGS
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a deformity of the hip joint (coxofemoral joint) occurring during an animal’s growth period. Many large breed dog owners have heard of it. Anyone owning a dog should become familiar with this condition.
The ball of the femur can not fit properly into the hip socket. Affected dogs may show absolutely no signs of this condition. Others may show severe signs.
What causes hip dysplasia?
Several factors contribute to the development of this problem. Some breeds are more likely to genetically inherit hip dysplasia. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, St Bernards and Old English Sheepdogs are just a few.
Environmental factors also play a role in the development of dysplasia including diet, weight gain and exercise.
What to look out for
Hip dysplasia develops in young growing dogs. Signs maybe noticed as early as four to six weeks of age. There is no link between age and severity of this condition. Avery young puppy can be debilitated very early. In other cases dogs may not show any abnormalities until one or two years of age. In some cases may not become painful and lame until they are geriatric (6-10 years of age depending on breed). Here are some signs you should look out for:-
Hind leg lameness
Lack of coordination in the hind quarters (swaying and staggering)
Reluctance to run and jump
Difficulty when attempting to lie down or stand up
Abnormal gait
Diagnosing hip dysplasia
Your veterinarian will undertake a physical examination checking the motion of your dog’s hip joint. X-rays maybe taken to confirm the condition, and highlight the amount of associated arthritis.
Treatment
Various medical and surgical options are available today to help restore your pet’s mobility and ease discomfort. The method of treatment depends on a number of factors including age and severity of the problem. Surgery is generally a last option and is usually recommended when other forms of treatment are not effective, when athletic performance is desired in young patients or to slow the progression of degenerative joint disease to enhance the probability of good long term limb function.
Non surgical options
Non surgical treatment is essentially the same as treatment for arthritis including a weight management program (including nutritional supplements), medications to help support and repair cartilage and medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Surgical options
Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. FHO is the removal of the ball part of the joint. This gives excellent results in small dogs because a functional “false joint” forms. Some large dogs may not form this “false joint” as well however this is recommended for patients with severe arthritis, if the hip dislocates, or if the expense of the other procedures is prohibitive.
Triple osteotomy is a procedure in which the pelvis is cut in three places around the hip joint. The bone is rotated to create better alignment with the femoral head (the ball). It is reattached so that the joint functions in a more normal fashion without looseness and pain. This should only be performed in a dog with no arthritic changes in the joint and is only an option for younger patients.
Total Hip Replacement (THR) is possible, as is done in humans. The hip joint is replaced with an artificial ball and socket. Often made of plastic and stainless steel attached to the pelvis and femur in place of the abnormal joint. This procedure can give many years of pain free use of the hips. However, is generally only an option for patients who have not responded to other forms of treatment, and is a very specialised procedure.
Diet and exercise in growing dogs
There is a growing body of evidence indicating that dogs that grow very rapidly are more likely to have hip dysplasia. Authorities recommend feeding a specifically formulated puppy food to puppies of high risk breeds so their growth is slower. Puppies will still reach their full genetic body size. Just not as rapidly.
Avoid excessive exercise in a growing puppy. Any abnormality in the structure of the hip joint is magnified if excessive running and jumping occur. It is not necessary to treat your puppy as if it were disabled. Long sessions of running or repetitively chasing thrown objects, running on the beach or alongside a bike can be detrimental to joints.
Caring for a dog with hip dysplasia
There are a few things you can do to assist your pet:-
If you suspect your pet has hip dysplasia, seek advise immediately to minimise the arthritic changes that will develop as the problem worsens.
Monitor your dog’s body weight and avoid obesity, ask your vet or healthcare team for a nutritional plan
Avoid strenuous exercise but provide moderate exercise as indicated by your veterinarian.
Do Dogs Need Help Giving Birth on Their First Try?
Getting Ready
Make your dog’s birth process as smooth as possible. Help her get set up for the big day. Pick out the coziest, calmest and most silent area of your residence to arrange a relaxing whelping box, blankets and all. The goal is to ensure the mother dog feels as secure and self-assured as possible before going into labor. Try to arrange all of this a week prior to your pet’s expected labor date. Doing this allows your dog plenty of time to get used to the setting.
Birthing Styles
When it comes to birthing styles, canines, just like people, are all different. Many dogs appreciate the company of humans as they go through parturition. Many dogs also, on the other hand, favor doing things more privately. If your dog is in the latter camp, stay as low-key as possible. Also make a point to be accessible should your assistance be necessary. A “primigravida” pooch is a first-time mom, and therefore requires even more diligent supervision than a more experienced one. All the way from the beginning to the end, in the event of difficulties.
Emergency Contact
It’s important for you to be nearby while your dog goes through labor. At the same time, it also helps to stand slightly back and allow your pet to do her thing, naturally. The goal is to carefully monitor her and any puppies she delivers for indications of whelping concerns. Make sure you have access to a telephone and contact information for your veterinarian, should a problem arise. Keep your vet’s phone number available, along with a second number in case the clinic isn’t open.
Signs of Possible Complications
Dogs generally whelp without any issues. However, exceptions are always possible. If you notice that your dog has had contractions for between 30 minutes and an hour without any puppy coming out, notify your veterinarian pronto. Do the same if you pick up on any indications of severe pain. If you’re sure more puppies are inside and more than four hours go by without any of them emerging, vet assistance is imperative. If your dog gives off blackish-green vaginal discharge without delivering her youngsters in a time span of between three and four hours, help is vital.
Breeds
Certain canine breeds often, for health purposes, need Caesarean section births. Therefore veterinary assistance during delivery. This applies to both primigravida and experienced doggie moms. Many brachycephalic canines need c-sections because of their notably big heads. These breeds include pugs, Boston terriers, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, bulldogs, border terriers, Pekingese and boxers. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest and most appropriate birthing options for your bet, natural or otherwise.
Cryptococcal infections in pets. Contact Your Vet
Cryptococcal infections in pets. Contact Your Vet
Cryptococcus, a relatively common infection caused by a yeast-like fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans. The fungus is widespread in the environment. Cats, dogs, humans, and other animals can become infected. The condition is much more common in cats than dogs. It is primarily a problem in animals that have weak or compromised immune systems.
How Pets Acquire a Cryptococcal Infection
Cryptococcal infection is acquired most commonly by inhaling the infectious spores in bird droppings. Particularily, pigeon droppings. The fungus has also been found in soil, fruit, and even in the skin of healthy people. However, the main source of exposure and contamination is pigeon poop.
Pigeons rarely become infected with cryptococcus, because their body temperatures are too high to support the growth of the fungus, which passes through their GI tract and is concentrated in their feces. If the fungus is deposited where it is protected from sunshine and drying out, it can actually survive in the environment for up to two years. Once your cat inhales the spores, the fungus sets up shop in the upper respiratory tract, typically in the nasal passages or the lungs.
In immunologically healthy animals, the fungus remains isolated and doesn’t create any problems at all. In cats with suppressed immune systems (for instance, those that are dealing with feline leukemia or FIV), the disease can take hold and spread to other organs. This includes the brain, eyes, lungs, and the central nervous system. This type of disease progression can result in granulomas, pneumonia, or systemic disease.
Cryptococcal infections are not zoonotic, which means they are not spread between humans and animals. The only way to acquire this illness is through direct exposure to the fungal spores themselves.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of cryptococcus vary depending on the organ systems affected by the fungus. Often, symptoms are systemic and nonspecific, such as diminished appetite, weight loss, or lethargy. Other signs to watch for in your cat or dog are sniffling, sneezing, raspy breathing, or a runny nose. Sometimes infected animals can have hard lumpy swellings over the bridge of the nose, skin lesions on the top of the head, or swollen lymph nodes.
If the fungus has invaded the central nervous system, there can be head tilting, nystagmus (a strange, abnormal back and forth eye movement), the inability to blink due to paralysis of the facial nerves, or loss of coordination, including circling and seizures.
Eye problems are also very common. It can include hemorrhage in the retina, as well as inflammatory conditions of the eye like chorioretinitis and anterior uveitis.
Diagnosis of a cryptococcal infection can be done quickly and easily through examination of either discharge from the kitty’s nose or skin lesions. The fungus is usually very easy to spot under a microscope and easily cultured in the laboratory. There’s also a widely used blood test that identifies the fungus, called the latex agglutination test. If a lump is biopsied, diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of the removed tissue.
Once a definitive diagnosis is made, the cat should also receive a complete workup to determine if there’s an underlying disease that has compromised the immune system. Any underlying conditions must be treated in order to successfully treat the cryptococcal infection.
Cryptococcosis in Dogs
Cryptococcosis is a localized or systemic fungal infection caused by the environmental yeast, Cryptococcus. This fungus grows in bird droppings and decaying vegetation, and is generally associated with Eucalyptus trees. However, it is found worldwide and some areas of southern California, Canada and Australia have been found to be more prone to the fungus.
The fungus is contracted through the dog’s nasal passages. It then passes into the brain, eyes, lungs and other tissues. It is usually rare in dogs.
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats.
Symptoms
Symptoms will vary and depend greatly on the organ systems affected by the fungus. However, animals may have a history of problems for weeks or months, be especially sluggish, and (in less than 50 percent of animals) have a mild fever. Other symptoms include:
- Nervous system signs — seizures, wobbly, uncoordinated or “drunken” movements weakness, blindness
- Skin ulceration
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Nasal discharge
Causes
Cryptococcus yeast normally is inhaled through the nasal passages. Occasionally, these organisms may reach the terminal airways, although it is unlikely.
It can also infect the stomach and the intestines, entering through the gastrointestinal tract.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will be making a diagnosis based on findings from the following tests:
- Samples will be taken from the nasal passages, or a biopsy from the bumpy tissue that protrudes from the nasal passages; flushing the nose with saline may dislodge infected tissue
- Biopsy of skin lesions of the head
- Aspirates of affected lymph nodes
- Blood and urine cultures
- Blood tests to detect the presence of Cryptococcus antigens
- If your dog shows symptoms of neurological disease, a spinal tap and examination of cells needs to be done
Grieving Losing your Dog, Cat or Beloved Pet
Grieving Losing your Dog, Cat, or Beloved Pet
Our pets are a very special part of our lives. When a beloved pet dies, it causes an overwhelming feeling of sadness and heartbreak for the whole family. Grieving the death of a pet is a different experience for each person, and there is no right or wrong way of doing it.
Grieving is completely normal
It is completely natural and it most of all is certainly nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of. Grieving is how we respond to loss, and it can have various effects on our physical and mental health. It is normal to experience a wide range of feelings when you are grieving the death of a pet. These feelings may include sadness, guilt, anger and denial, and you may also have trouble sleeping. Each person will have his or her own unique way of coping with the death of a pet, and the process will take longer for some than others.
It is important that you are able to recognise and acknowledge when you may require professional help to deal with your grief. Hence, if you are experiencing any of the following, you should consider seeking professional help:
Unable to carry out day-to-day activities
Experiencing relationship problems as a result of the grief
You are experiencing anxiety or depression
Feelings associated with your grief last for an extended period
Saying goodbye
You may find comfort in creating a memorial for your pet, perhaps by putting a special plant or plaque in your garden. Therefore, you may also wish to hold a funeral or memorial service because just maybe it may give yourself and your family the chance to farewell your beloved pet. Pet cemetery or cremation services can provide guidance and help you and your family decide if this is the right option for you.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing any of these things, that’s perfectly fine. What works for other people may not work for you. Grieving is about discovering how you cope with loss and there is no right or wrong way to go about it.
Talking to children
It can be difficult for children to come to terms with the death of a pet. They may not understand the situation. In some cases, it may not be appropriate to go into detail about how your pet died. Nethertheless, try to answer your children’s questions as honestly as you can. It is important that they understand your pet will not be coming back. If children are under the assumption that their pet has just ‘gone away’, they might blame themselves for the pet’s disappearance.
Who can I talk to?
Grieving the death of a pet can be a very difficult journey. It is not one that you need to take alone. Talking about your loss with someone you trust may help you feel better about the situation. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a relative or friend, consider contacting a telephone counseling service or a grief support group.
Lifeline – 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
Am I a Bad Pet Owner Leaving My Dog Alone All Day?
Am I a Bad Pet Owner If Leaving My Dog Alone All Day?
When people talk to me about getting a dog, the first thing I like to ask is how much time they have available to spend with the dog. It’s important to remember that dogs are social animals. Dogs we call our best friends. They love spending time with us, watch us and help us. It’s hard for dogs to become great at their job of companion if they don’t ever spend any time in our company.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t get a dog if you work — far from it. We all need a friendly face to come home to at the end of the day. A dog is a friend who is always there to greet you, play with you and exercise you. (You didn’t think this was a one-way relationship, did you?)
But not many of us can spend all day with our dogs, although it would be a great world if we could. We have work, school, family obligations, friends and other commitments in our lives. I’m here to share some tips on how you can make your dog’s life better — enrich it, as my behavior expert friends say — even when you’re not home.
House Training
First, teach your dog that being home alone is okay. Every dog should be able to stay on his own all day without falling apart emotionally or becoming destructive. From the time you first get him, whether he’s a puppy or an adult, practice leaving him alone. Start with just a minute or two and gradually extend the length of time as you become comfortable with his behavior while you’re out of sight. Dogs can be in their crate, a special dog room or dog run and once you know he’s trustworthy leave him on his own in the house. Potty accidents too will tell you how long your dog can be left without needing to go outside.
Don’t re-enter the room if he’s crying, whining, howling or barking. Wait until he’s quiet, then go in and praise him in a brief, matter-of-fact tone of voice. You want him to think that being on his own is normal and safe. Give him a treat when you leave but not when you return.
Make sure he has constructive ways to occupy his time when you’re not around. Stuff a Kong toy with enough goodies to keep him busy for hours. Fill a puzzle toy with his daily ration of kibble so he has to work for his meals. Hide treats or favorite toys around the house for Fido to find while you’re gone. A word of caution. Before leaving your dog alone, make sure any toys in the environment are indestructible.
Leave the radio tuned to a calming classical station or a talk radio show. Choose the station carefully. You don’t want to come home to a dog who is fired up, listening to people shout at each other all day.
Social Life
Think about getting your dog a friend. This can be a cat (they absolutely can be good buddies if you introduce them properly) or another dog.
If a second pet is more than you can commit to, arrange for another dog to come visit. Talk to a friend or neighbor about exchanging a play date time. Of course, this works only if the dogs are already friendly toward each other.
You might also need to hire some help. Depending on your dog’s activity level and athleticism and bladder control, bring in a dog walker to take him for a walk or run, or a pet sitter to play with him in your home. Your dog enjoys playing with other dogs? A doggie daycare or dog camp in your area will be perfect. He spends the day there while you’re gone. www.petstays.net.au
Contact Pet Stays. A great boarding option.
www.petstays.net.au Mobile: 0438937570 or contact@petstays.net.au
When you are home, give your dog some quality time. For a quick outing, take him with you when you run errands. Choose ones where you don’t have to leave him in the car, such as picking up the kids from school, going to the drive-thru at the bank or buying food at the pet supply store.
Go for a walk, every day, and give him plenty of sniffing time. Play hide-and-seek games such as nose work. Practice his obedience commands. Beyond his walk, which should be an appropriate distance and speed for his breed and age, just a few minutes of these activities will enrich your relationship with your dog, even if he spends a chunk of the day without you.
Australia’s Largest Maine Coon Cat In the World
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA
Australia. The Largest Maine Coon Cat in The World?
Maine Coon cat named Omar may take the title of world’s longest domestic cat. The Guinness World Records noticed a picture of the feline on Instagram and contacted his owner.
Omar stretches out to 1.2 metres (47.2 inches) and weighs in at 14 kg (30.8 pounds), according to the cat‘s owner.
“We were expecting about a nine-kilo cat,” said Stephy Hirst the cat’s owner. The Guinness World Records had reached out to her about Omar.
“He got to that [length] before he was one year old. So that’s when we sort of realized that he’s not nearly done yet.”
The current record holder at 118.33 cm (46.6 inches) is Ludo, another Maine Coon cat living in the United Kingdom.
Omar eats dry cat food and kangaroo meat, and has a relaxed life lounging around the house with dogs Rafiki and Penny.
Guinness World Records has yet to confirm if Omar takes the title. Hence, we will wait and see.
Maine Coons derive their name from the U.S. state of Maine, where it is the official state cat.
Have you another extraordinary animal story to share with us?
5 Reasons Your Dog Should Always Be in a Safety Harness or Secured Carrier in the Car
You buckle up, so why wouldn’t you protect your dog in the car? We explain why harnesses and carriers are so important.
Most of us won’t get behind the wheel of a car without buckling up. Parents wouldn’t dream of driving without their baby or toddler secured in a car seat. For many of us, putting on a seat belt is as natural as breathing. So why is it that only 16 percent of us restrain our dogs in the car? That was the finding of a pet travel survey.
Are you part of the 84 percent of people who said they don’t buckle up their dogs? Even if you’re part of the 16 percent who do restrain their dogs in the car, here are seven car safety facts all pet parents need to know:
1. The laws of physics apply to your dog
When it comes to bad things, you may suffer from the optimist mentality: “It won’t happen to me.” Lots of people think their dog will be fine even if they are involved in an accident. Well I have news for you: All pets, people, and inanimate objects are subject to the laws of physics. In an accident, an unrestrained dog can go flying — against the dashboard or backseat, out a window, or even through the windshield. Best-case scenario in a low-speed crash: Your dog is just a little dazed. Worst-case scenario in a high-speed collision or rollover? Your dog is killed.
2. Your dog may survive the accident, but face other dangers
An unrestrained dog can be ejected during a crash or escape through a broken window. Frightened and possibly hurt, your dog could run off — right into oncoming traffic. Or your dog could run away from traffic and become lost. Also, first responders have reported dogs in cars who have guarded their injured owners, preventing paramedics from helping them. It’s not unheard of for typically sweet dogs to become aggressive when trapped or wounded. The police or paramedics may do whatever is necessary help the humans first.
3. Your dog can injure you in an accident
According to a survey, an unrestrained 10-pound dog riding in a car traveling 50 miles per hour will exert around 500 pounds of force when they go flying in a crash. An unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 miles per hour will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of force. You and other passengers — especially children — can be seriously injured or even killed by the impact of an unrestrained dog.
4. Your dog can be killed by the airbag
Airbags save lives, but they explode with so much force that they can severely injure or even kill lightweight front-seat passengers. That’s why children 12 and younger are not supposed to ride up front. This rule applies to dogs too. It’s not safe for dogs to ride in the front seat (especially not in the driver’s lap, where they can be crushed by the steering wheel or airbag). Some newer cars have weight sensors in the front passenger seat that override the airbag if the passenger is under a certain weight. If your car doesn’t, be sure to manually turn off the airbag when your dog rides in a harness on the passenger seat. If you can’t turn the airbag off, keep your dog safely restrained in the back seat.
5. Your dog distracts you in the car
You probably don’t even notice it, but your dog is distracting you in the car. A study found that 65 percent of respondents had engaged in one or more distracting activities while driving with their dog. These included petting their dog, using their hands or arms to block the dog’s movement or stop him from climbing from the backseat to the front, holding the dog in place when braking, reaching into the backseat to touch the dog, holding the dog while driving, giving the dog food or treats, playing with the dog, and taking a photo of the dog.
A crate or carrier won’t help if it’s not properly secured
A crate or carrier can be a good restraint system as long as it’s properly secured. Some smaller carriers are designed to be used with the vehicle’s seat belt. Large crates may need to be lashed to the floor of an SUV or a van. The Center for Pet Safety, a non-profit research and consumer advocacy organization, crash-tests a number of different carriers and crates .
All dog seat belts are not created equal
There are many doggie seat belts on the market, but only a few have passed independent crash-testing. A restraint is only life-saving if it actually works in a crash. To learn more about crash-testing, take a look at the studies done by the Center for Pet Safety. To learn more about dogs and car safety, check out “How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Comfortable in the Car.”
In the end, I think choosing not to use a car restraint for your dog mostly boils down to that feeling of “It won’t happen to me” or “My dog will be fine.” There was a time when seat belts were not commonly used by human passengers and car seats were not used for babies.
So buckle up — your dog, too. If you’re ever in an accident, you’ll be glad you did!
