Keep Your Companion Safe With the Best Dog Car Seats

Pet parents should know that it’s against the law to drive with your canine who sits in the car without any restraints. Distracted driving can exponentially increase when you’re traveling with an animal. And even a sudden stop can end in an injury with an unsecured dog constantly crossing the front and back seat. Therefore, a dog car seat is a must-have safety item for people who constantly have a pup in the car. However, knowing that you must purchase a car seat for your pooch and sorting out which one will work are the two sides of the same coin.

Many car seats for dogs merely hold your dog in place to keep them from disturbing you while driving, so it is essential to make sure you have one that can really protect your pup. Car restraints can even help to reduce motion sickness and add a feeling of security to an anxious dog as well. To help you discover precisely what you’re looking for in a pet car seat, we’ve offered a buying guide below.

What Are the Advantages of Dog Car Seats?

Is a dog car seat really necessary? As an important safety device, it is definitely not your average pet carrier. Let’s look at some of the advantages of keeping your furry friend safe while you drive.

• A dog car seat keeps canines from distracting the driver, which can lead to accidents.
• Crash tests prove that your four-legged buddy will be safer in a dog car seat. The majority of them come with a tether to keep your dog safe in the case of an accident.
• Most car seats for dogs are well-padded, and many are as comfy as the dog bed that your pup may be used to. This comfort will ensure a more pleasant trip for your canine buddy.
• Small dogs can use raised dog car seats as a booster seat to view out the window as you drive.

What Aspects Should You Evaluate While Purchasing Dog Car Seats?

Size

You must select a dog car seat that is the proper size for your four-legged companion. Many dog car seats are designed to suit small dogs or medium dogs, although there are also bigger, more heavy duty models available for large dogs as well.

One big or medium dog, or two small dogs, can fit in certain larger dog car seats. Allow your dogs to ride next to each other only if they are calm and won’t fight. Even a playful squabble might cause the driver to get distracted, so it’s best to strap numerous pets on different sides of the rear seat.

Comfort

The comfort of your canine buddy is one of the reasons to get a dog car seat. You might opt to just use the dog bed your pup already has as a car seat, but this may not be the safest idea. By simply glancing at a dog car seat, you can generally determine how comfy it is. A safety seat with soft material that offers plenty of cushioning will create a lovely, velvety surface for your dog to relax on.

Another consideration is the size of the dog seat in relation to your dog. Your dog won’t be able to cuddle in for a nap if the car seat isn’t spacious enough for lying down. Comfort is especially essential on lengthy vehicle journeys, so if you’re going on a road trip with your dogs, make sure they’ll be able to relax.

What Characteristics Should You Look for When Purchasing a Dog Car Seat?

Easy washing

For easy cleaning, a removable seat cover or seat pad is a requirement. While the majority of dog car seat covers and cushions are machine washable, there are a few exceptions. Before purchasing a dog car seat, make sure you understand the cleaning recommendations.

Features that ensure safety

To attach the seat to your vehicle seat, your chosen model should feature a high-quality locking system. A seat belt is generally threaded through a portion of the dog car seat to fasten the dog car seat. The tether that secures your dog to the seat is another important safety element.

How Much Do Dog Car Seats Cost?

The price varies based on the size, quality, and features, but most fall between $20 to $100. The cost of a basic canine car seat ranges from $20 to $40. While there are some good models in this price range, most are mediocre. It’s also uncommon to come across a lot of choices for bigger size dogs, but they definitely exist.

A mid-priced dog car seat can set you back between $40 and $60. There are numerous good models available at this pricing bracket, including some alternatives for big dogs. High-end car seats for dogs may cost anywhere from $60 to $100. You’ll discover the safest, most secure, and most comfy canine car seats at this price point.

What Are Some Tips and Advice When Buying Dog Car Seats?

• The best dog car seats to consider will be the options that are compatible with your specific vehicle.
• To be properly fastened, certain dog car seats require a headrest or a specific type of seat belt. In this aspect, back seat area may be more secure.
• Although you may want to put your dog in the front seat, it’s typically better to put his or her car seat in the rear since most cars have front airbags, which can hurt your pet if they deploy.
• Make sure your dog’s car seat is firmly fastened to the vehicle’s seat. If a booster seat is the best solution, look at it.
• Although booster seats help little dogs keep a better eye on their surroundings and enjoy the journey more, some smaller dogs can become too enthusiastic and yelp at everything passing by. If this is the case with your dog, a lower model is preferable to a booster seat.