Travelling with your dog: staying safe in the car

Whether it's a short trip to the dog park or a long holiday trip: a dog must be secured in the car so that it does not become a dangerous missile in the event of an emergency stop. Find out which systems make sense and what you should pay attention to when it comes to crates, harnesses and breaks.

Many dogs regularly ride in the car. Nevertheless, some dogs travel unsecured in the back seat, in the footwell or even in the passenger seat. This is not only risky for the dog. In the event of an emergency stop or an accident, an unsecured animal can endanger the driver, passengers and rescue workers.

German road traffic regulations require that animals do not impair the driver's vision or hearing and that road safety does not suffer. In addition, cargo must be stowed and secured in such a way that it does not slip or be thrown around in the event of emergency braking or sudden evasive movements. In everyday life this means: Your dog needs a suitable restraint system.

A stable, appropriately sized transport crate offers the dog a clearly defined protective space. It should be large enough for your dog to lie, sit and turn around comfortably. However, too much free space is also unfavourable in the event of an accident because the dog can be thrown further.

The crate itself must be firmly connected to the vehicle. Small crates can stand safely in the rear footwell. Larger crates belong in the cargo area and are anchored at suitable points. In estate cars, the crate should be placed as close as possible to the rear seat back and, depending on the system, perpendicular to the direction of travel. Always follow the manufacturer’s assembly instructions.

A divider alone prevents the dog from jumping forward. However, it does not reliably keep it within a small protective area. For good security, a grille should therefore be combined with a suitable box or a tested restraint system.

If a crate is not possible, a high-quality car harness in the back seat can be an alternative. Wide, padded straps, stable metal connections, a short connection and a precise adjustment are important. The dog should neither be thrown forward nor get caught in a belt that is too long.

Never attach a safety belt to the collar. During an abrupt stop, enormous forces act on the cervical spine, larynx and soft tissues. Even simple everyday harnesses are not automatically designed to withstand an accident. Pay attention to documented safety tests and the specified weight class.

Your dog has no business being unsecured in the vehicle, on your lap or in the passenger seat. The passenger airbag can be additionally dangerous for an animal. Letting your dog put its head out of an open window is also not a good idea: draughts, dust, insects and small foreign objects can injure your dog’s eyes and ears.

Never leave your dog alone in a parked car when it is warm. The interior can quickly become dangerously hot, even if the window is open. Plan errands so that your dog can either come along or stay safely at home.

The best security system is of little help if the dog panics. Train in small steps: First, the crate or harness is positively associated outside of the ride. This is followed by short stays in a stationary car, with the engine running and finally very short journeys.

Reward calm behaviour and increase the duration slowly. If your dog is panting heavily, salivating, vomiting or restless, it could be due to stress or motion sickness. If these problems recur, talk to your veterinary practice instead of simply making your dog endure the journey.

Don't give an unusually large meal before long journeys. Water should be offered regularly. Plan to take a break about every two to three hours, depending on your dog's age, health and habits. Secure him with a lead and harness before opening the door or tailgate.

Pack water, a bowl, poo bags, a familiar towel, medication and important contact information within easy reach. Food and medication should not be stored in a heated vehicle.

A firmly anchored, suitable transport crate is often the safest choice. Alternatively, a high-quality, correctly fitted car harness in the back seat can be useful. It is crucial that neither the dog nor the safety system move uncontrollably through the vehicle in the event of an emergency stop.