Fasten Fido’s Seatbelt for a Safe 2024 and Beyond!

JANUARY 1, 2023, Villa Rica, GA… January 2nd is National Pet Travel Safety Day, but also a great time to assess and upgrade best practices for transporting your dog or cat safely whether it’s a trip to the vet or a family vacation. If a 50-lbs. dog, riding in a car moving 30 mph is thrown during a car accident, it will feel like nine 170-lbs. men pushed him against a brick wall (1,500 lbs. of force)! “This will be devastating, so it’s important to fasten Fido’s seatbelt (and Fluffy’s too) whenever your pet is in any type of vehicle,” explains Cat Adams who teaches pet first aid & safety in Villa Rica Community “Even after brakes are applied, an unrestrained pet will remain in motion at 30, 40, 50 mph or more until something stops him -- the dashboard, seat back or windshield!”

Proper Restraint

Buckle Fido into a pet-specific seatbelt, even if it’s only a ride around the block. “Dog restraints easily attach to your vehicle’s seat belt buckle or strap, or may hook to a guy-wire or bracket,” but Pet Safety Crusader Denise Fleck, Cat Adams mentor, adds, “Take into consideration your pooch’s current health issues as arthritis, sore hips and joints may be aggravated depending on where the harness hugs his body. Wire cages or plastic crates are also good choices as they shield both cats and dogs from falling objects, but pets can get tossed around inside. Cushion the crate and secure it well to prevent it from being tossed during an impact or sudden stop.” Visit The Center for Pet Safety for tested and approved safety gear.

Body Parts INSIDE

Gravel, tree branches, dust and pollen can irritate canine eyes, and even the breeze can dry out the cornea causing infection, injury or trauma. If a canine’s head hangs out the window while a paw steps on the power button, a window could close on his neck!

Spots to Avoid

1) The Passenger Seat - If the airbag deploys, small pets generally receive spinal injuries due to the 200 mph at which the bag hits them. Larger dogs often end up with severed tongues resulting in life-threatening blood loss.

2) Bed of a Pick-up Truck or any other unsheltered space - Pets should never be subjected to hard, often scorching, and unsteady surfaces where bone, joint and bruising injuries could occur. Dogs may get ‘scalped’ when falling through the back window of a truck cab, so regardless of local laws, don’t put your precious pooch in harm’s way.

“Pet parents want what is best for their four-legged kids, but some don’t realize the ever-present dangers. That is why starting off the new year learning PET FIRST AID & CPR or refreshing your skills could be the best gift for the pet you love most!” shares Adams. “Classes are available to teach you animal life-saving skills should the worst happen, but also to make you a savvier dog mom or dad so that you can prevent many emergencies from occurring. Don’t wait until something happens. Sign up for a class today!” Visit allheartscpr.com