Dogs are on the go these days!  You often see dogs, including large dogs, riding in cars with people.  But it’s not very safe to allow your dog to ride loose in your car.  One solution is to use a car harness to keep your dog in a safe position in your vehicle.

When you consider why a dog needs a car harness it’s not very hard to figure out.  Just as people can be injured during accidents, dogs can also be tossed around, tossed through a window, or tossed out of the car and on to the road when an accident occurs.  A car harness can keep them safer.

There are, however different kinds of car harnesses.  Some are better than others.  And a car harness is not the only way to keep your dog safe in a vehicle.

For instance, some car harnesses are specially designed with a dog’s comfort, safety and convenience in mind.  They have straps which fit well, and allow the dog to move a little without putting him at risk.  Other harnesses simply fit over the dog’s body and tie in to the car’s seatbelt system — not a very safe or comfortable solution.

You can also keep your dog safe in a vehicle (despite what harness manufacturers claim) by using a crate.  Hard-sided, airline-type crates have protected many dogs during serious accidents.

If you do choose to use a car harness for your dog you should try it on your dog and make sure that it fits properly.  Make sure that your dog will be comfortable in the harness.  After all, it’s likely that your dog could spend a lot of time wearing the harness, especially if he travels with you a great deal.

Car harnesses are lightweight and they are often a good choice for dogs that ride in the backseat of cars since, when wearing one, the dog doesn’t take up much room.  They fit both large and small dogs.

On the other hand, if you have a larger vehicle, such as an SUV, a van or an RV, a crate may be the best choice for your dog.  They provide a great deal of protection, keep your dog securely in place, and they can even be bolted to the floor to provide more safety and security.  If you travel with dogs frequently, you may prefer to use crates.

Good car harnesses and airline crates will both protect your dog.  The choice is yours, depending on your needs.  Consider what you and your dog need when you travel, how much time your dog will spend in your vehicle, what kind of vehicle you have, and what kind of driving you do.  Then you can decide if you need a car harness for your dog.  But do use some kind of safety restraint for your dog, whether it’s a car harness or a crate. It will keep your dog safer.