PRACTICE PET SAFETY DAILY!

Every year thousands of animals are injured, die or become lost in car accidents.  They can be thrown against dashboards, windows, seat backs or floors.  Wearing your seat belt costs nothing but the cost for not wearing one can be a heavy price!  This applies to our best pals too!  A 50-lbs. dog traveling 30 mph will feel like nine 170-lbs. men pushed him against a brick wall if he is thrown during an accident.  That equates to ruff-ly 1,500 lbs. of force!  Remember, those laws of physics we learned so long ago…A body in motion stays in motion until acted upon by an outside force.  This means that even once brakes are applied, an unrestrained pet will continue moving forward at 30, 40, 50 mph or more until something stops him.  The something may be the seat back, dash board or windshield causing devastating injuries.

Additionally, if you don’t restrain your pet, often when accidents occur, car windows get broken and doors flung open.  Now that un-tethered dog or cat jumps out of the car only to be struck by an on-coming vehicle.

Thirdly, if pets aren’t restrained, sometimes humans don’t get the help they need as quickly as possible due to an over-protective animal whom First Responders may fear.

No excuses!  Buckle Fido into a special pet seat belt even if it’s only a ride around the block.  Pet restraints easily attach to your vehicle’s seat belt and allow your pet to sit up or lie down.  Many varieties can be purchased at pet stores and online. Search until you find one that works best for your pooch and your vehicle, and then get off on the right paw.  Train with treats like you would anything else, so that it becomes a happy experience for both of you.

Wire cages or plastic crates are also good choices as they shield the pet from falling objects.  Just make sure the crate too is secured so that it, along with your cat or dog, does not become a projectile during an impact or sudden stop.

As much as we love ‘em, pets are often the cause of accidents.  According to the American Automobile Association (AAA),  animals moving around in cars are the 3rd worst distraction to a driver ranking only behind children and cell phones.

 

There’s more…

Don’t let your dog ride with his head out a window.  Gravel, tree branches, dust pollen and even the breeze may result in infection, injury or trauma to his eyes – the wind dries out the cornea and causes painful injury.  If a dog’s head sticks out the window and his paw steps on a power button, the window could close on his neck!

Do NOT let your pet ride shotgun!  If the airbag is deployed it could crush a small pet or break his neck.  Airbags often result in larger dogs severing their tongues from the force of teeth slamming together.  This would place your canine pal in an emergency situation incurring heavy blood loss and the tongue contains the lingual artery.  Most likely, one an airbag has been deployed neither you nor your car will be capable of transporting your injured pet, so he will not get the help he needs.  Back seat or cargo sections, safely secured is best and never attach a seat belt or strap to a neck collar – always a body harness.

Never, ever, ever transport your pet in the back of a pick-up truck!  In some municipalities, sides must be 44” high and the animal must be cross-tethered, but there is just too much room for accidents to happen.  Dogs get thrown from the back or jump out, even when attached to a leash and get dragged.  Dogs have scalped themselves when a truck stops and they fly through the back window of a pick-up!  Your best friend deserves so much more.

With all the inventive humans we have today, there are many ways to secure pets safely, and have them along for the ride.  Your best bet is to head over the the Center for Pet Safety to find out which items have been tested, giving you confidence that you are taking the best possible care of your pet.  One such product that has received this Seal of Approval is…

 

The Gen7Commuter™ by Gen7Pets.  Watch the video here:  https://youtu.be/oWFWfJd5E2c

 

 

You’ve heard me talk about Gen7Pets’ Mini-ramp and Cool-Cot recently: http://www.petsafetycrusader.com/just-like-noahs-ark-gen7pets-cares-for-our-animal-friends/ after my own best buddy Haiku tested them out.  Well, this commuter bag has gone through rigorous testing to meet the highest standards for safety to reduce pet exposure to potential risk during car travel.  It is certified for pets up to 20 lbs.

 

 

 

The Gen7Commuter™ comes in a stylish black or burgundy, and is 18” long by 11” wide and 11” tall, PURRfect for your smaller canine or feline!  Available on Amazon, Chewy and Walmart along with other retails.  Price may vary, but approximately $99.99.  Well worth it for your pet’s safety!

 

 

 

 

 

Features:

  • Especially designed to utilize the seat belt latch and shoulder strap and to assist in restraining the carrier during car travel.
  • Employ the shoulder strap around the head rest to aid in stability.
  • Suitable for pets up to 20 lbs.
  • Smart comfort pad is easy to clean and machine washable.
  • Easily transfers in and out of vehicle.
  • Sturdy structure won’t collapse when seat belt is applied.
  • Durable seat belt latch keeps carrier in proper position.
  • Heavy duty hardware.
  • Padded shoulder strap and easy tote handle options.
  • Approved for use on most major airlines.
    Review your airline’s regulations regarding pets on-board before traveling.

 

AND THERE’S MORE…I HAVE ONE TO GIVE AWAY AS AN AWESOME HOLIDAY TRAVEL GIFT!  Watch my VLOG at https://www.facebook.com/SunnyDogInk/videos/2162424507411736/ and post a photo of your pet with a story or caption as to why her or she MUST HAVE this Burgundy Gen7Commuter™.  A team of independent judges will pick the most meaning photo & story and award one bag!  Please be sure you post the photo and comment in the chain under the video at www.Facebook.com/Sunny-dogInk  We are thrilled that these videos get shared, but if you post your photo on any other page, our judges may not see it!  Contest runs through October 31, 2018.