Doggie Car Safety - YorkieTalk.com Forums

dagibbie · 03-22-2008, 07:16 AM

This is for all who love to have their babies with them in the car. Just like human babies these little guys and gals can be seriously hurt and or killed in a car. Even with out an accident, stopping suddenly or swerving to avoid one can hurdle the dog in the car and can not only hurt them but passengers also. At the beginning of February of this year we bought a car seat for Generally, our 5 month old. It attaches to the back of the seat and has an air cushion that can be adjusted for the size of the dog. The dog is attached to the seat via the harness and a clip on the car seat. He/she can sit up and look out the window, or can lay down and sleep.

We got a lot of ribbing from the construction guys about having a car seat for the dog until later that month when we lost control of our pick up truck on icy/snowing roads. We were sideways on the freeway and got hit on the side that the dog was and ended up in the meridian of the freeway. We got shook up even in our belts and banged our heads on the sides of the truck. The puppy, however, was not even bothered as he was so secure. If he had not been in the seat he would have been thrown around. We had used a carrier/crate, but he was getting car sick in it. He can now travel with out getting sick and can see all that is going on.

melanie daley · 03-22-2008, 07:26 AM

I was just about to post a new thread on this topic, how weird!! I'm totally stressed everytime Roxi is in the car with me... she goes EVERYWHERE with me and just usually sits in my lap! And she is very small at 2lbs 8oz. which makes it more dangerous, although it's dangerous for all dogs big and small... I would love to know where you got it and I will be buying it today if I can!!
Thanks so much for bringing up this very important topic, and I'm so glad that you and your family were not seriously hurt in that accident.. I would be terrified to drive in snow!!

Suzy · 03-22-2008, 07:29 AM

Great reminder post for all of us! Thank you!

I used to use a car seat when we just had Emma-but it was for the front seat only, and I didn't like the idea of her being up front if the airbags deployed in an accident. She too used to freak out and get carsick in her crate, which is why we stopped using it...well, she somehow outgrew that phase, and now both she & Milli ride in the car in their crates. I won't allow it any other way-it's the safest place for them and for us when we're in the car.

I have heard horror stories of dogs getting down by the driver's feet, or distracting the driver and causing accidents. It's not worth that heartbreak-please crate or restrain your dogs in car seats in the car.

dagibbie · 03-22-2008, 07:37 AM

I got the seat I am using at PetSmart. They have a variety of different kinds. The one we got uses an air bag under the place for the dog to keep him up. There is also a netting around like a basket. Our dog will lay his head on the ridge of the basket and go to sleep. There are also ones that can be in the front seat, however, if you do that, make sure you turn off the airbag. If your car does not have that option, keep them in the back seat.

No one is laughing at the construction site now expecially those who drove by after work and saw us!

tnpowell · 03-22-2008, 08:05 AM

This is a good post. I agree, I get ragged on from my friends about having my puppies car seat in my SUV. It makes me feel comfortable when traveling with them. I dont have to worry about them jumping in and out os seats going under the seat or anything else. I have the Pet Voyager I purchased from dog.com, with the attached harness. They can either stand or laydown. I love it. I try and take them out every chance I get exspecially since it is getting nice out.

melanie daley · 03-22-2008, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagibbie

I got the seat I am using at PetSmart. They have a variety of different kinds. The one we got uses an air bag under the place for the dog to keep him up. There is also a netting around like a basket. Our dog will lay his head on the ridge of the basket and go to sleep. There are also ones that can be in the front seat, however, if you do that, make sure you turn off the airbag. If your car does not have that option, keep them in the back seat.

No one is laughing at the construction site now expecially those who drove by after work and saw us!

I'll have to look up petsmart, I've never heard of it.. thanks!!!

tnpowell · 03-22-2008, 08:17 AM

It is the Outward Hound Elevated Car Seat. It has a air blowup bag that adjusts the height. This one is a good one also. Take you puppie with you to see which one he is comfortable in. I know my petsmart has them out. I purchased one from dog.com. the Pet Voyager. I love it but it is ideal for small dogs, like the Yorkies. They can be put in the front or back seat. Its make for up to 12lbs. It has a fax lamb linner in in and it it snug where my babies feel secure. I tried the Outhound but they did better in the one I got. Thats why I said take your baby with you to petsmart and put them in it to see if they are comfortable.

dagibbie · 03-22-2008, 03:10 PM

The brand of seat we have is "Outward Hound" and I know it comes in a couple of sizes based on weight.

melanie daley · 03-22-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnpowell

It is the Outward Hound Elevated Car Seat. It has a air blowup bag that adjusts the height. This one is a good one also. Take you puppie with you to see which one he is comfortable in. I know my petsmart has them out. I purchased one from dog.com. the Pet Voyager. I love it but it is ideal for small dogs, like the Yorkies. They can be put in the front or back seat. Its make for up to 12lbs. It has a fax lamb linner in in and it it snug where my babies feel secure. I tried the Outhound but they did better in the one I got. Thats why I said take your baby with you to petsmart and put them in it to see if they are comfortable.

OMG!!! So I went out today upon your suggestion and got the outward hound doggie car seat and let me tell you it was the best $$ I have spent on her yet!!! She is SO good in it, and I don't have her jumping all around the car and under my feet near the pedals... It sits just high enough all the way inflated that she can just see out the window and she loves it! She looks so comfortable in it, and since shes so small I put toys in there and she stretched out and went to sleep a couple times!! I feel SO much better now!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!
XXXXXXX

SladesMommy · 03-22-2008, 06:36 PM

I really need to get my babies a harness belt and carseat. I'm embarrassed to say, but Slade usually rides on my lap, and Laney in the passenger seat w/o any restraints.

melanie daley · 03-22-2008, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melanie daley

OMG!!! So I went out today upon your suggestion and got the outward hound doggie car seat and let me tell you it was the best $$ I have spent on her yet!!! She is SO good in it, and I don't have her jumping all around the car and under my feet near the pedals... It sits just high enough all the way inflated that she can just see out the window and she loves it! She looks so comfortable in it, and since shes so small I put toys in there and she stretched out and went to sleep a couple times!! I feel SO much better now!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!
XXXXXXX

and seeing that she goes everywhere with me and is in my suv everyday I'm just so greatful you wrote this thread... I love YT so much and learn something wonderful and new to be a better mommy everytime I'm here!!!!!
XX

YorkieTime07 · 03-22-2008, 06:45 PM

yes i agree a carseat is the best thing!!! I got mine from petsmart and i bought the harness which goes over his head and under his legs and its padded so he is comfy and he just loves to sit up in his car seat or he will lie down and take a nap!!! People get a kick out of him in it when we stop at the traffic lights but i feel much better knowing he is safe in case of a sudden stop..and yes he use to ride in my lap...all 3 lbs of him!!!

SladesMommy · 03-22-2008, 07:04 PM

How much are the seats at petsmart? now that I have my new (to me) jeep we will probably do much more traveling, so I really need to get Slade one. I've looked at the ones on Petedge, but I'm not sure if maybe it would just be cheaper to go to PetSmart (which is about 45 mins away)

melanie daley · 03-22-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SladesMommy

How much are the seats at petsmart? now that I have my new (to me) jeep we will probably do much more traveling, so I really need to get Slade one. I've looked at the ones on Petedge, but I'm not sure if maybe it would just be cheaper to go to PetSmart (which is about 45 mins away)

I got it @ PetSmart and its only $39.99... And worth every penny!!

melanie daley · 03-22-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieTime07

yes i agree a carseat is the best thing!!! I got mine from petsmart and i bought the harness which goes over his head and under his legs and its padded so he is comfy and he just loves to sit up in his car seat or he will lie down and take a nap!!! People get a kick out of him in it when we stop at the traffic lights but i feel much better knowing he is safe in case of a sudden stop..and yes he use to ride in my lap...all 3 lbs of him!!!

Yes Maaam!!! Well as I was saying in earlier threads I've been super worried about her everyday in my suv, I'm in the entertainment industry, I work on TV shows, and I bring her to work a lot... she is in the car everyday and she runs all around sometimes, and by the pedals, and others she sleeps in my lap. But I was so paranoid about an accident, or braking hard, anything.... now I feel she is safe and secure, and she likes it!! She can just see out the window cause she's so small, but she can! I'm just so greatful to dagibbe for telling me which one to get and where!!!

03-22-2008, 07:16 AM	#1
dagibbie Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 170	Doggie Car Safety This is for all who love to have their babies with them in the car. Just like human babies these little guys and gals can be seriously hurt and or killed in a car. Even with out an accident, stopping suddenly or swerving to avoid one can hurdle the dog in the car and can not only hurt them but passengers also. At the beginning of February of this year we bought a car seat for Generally, our 5 month old. It attaches to the back of the seat and has an air cushion that can be adjusted for the size of the dog. The dog is attached to the seat via the harness and a clip on the car seat. He/she can sit up and look out the window, or can lay down and sleep. We got a lot of ribbing from the construction guys about having a car seat for the dog until later that month when we lost control of our pick up truck on icy/snowing roads. We were sideways on the freeway and got hit on the side that the dog was and ended up in the meridian of the freeway. We got shook up even in our belts and banged our heads on the sides of the truck. The puppy, however, was not even bothered as he was so secure. If he had not been in the seat he would have been thrown around. We had used a carrier/crate, but he was getting car sick in it. He can now travel with out getting sick and can see all that is going on.

03-22-2008, 07:26 AM	#2
melanie daley Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Belmont Shore SoCal Posts: 852	I was just about to post a new thread on this topic, how weird!! I'm totally stressed everytime Roxi is in the car with me... she goes EVERYWHERE with me and just usually sits in my lap! And she is very small at 2lbs 8oz. which makes it more dangerous, although it's dangerous for all dogs big and small... I would love to know where you got it and I will be buying it today if I can!! Thanks so much for bringing up this very important topic, and I'm so glad that you and your family were not seriously hurt in that accident.. I would be terrified to drive in snow!! __________________ Melanie Roxi & Rocco

03-22-2008, 07:29 AM	#3
Suzy 2 Pups=Double Trouble! Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 6,581	Great reminder post for all of us! Thank you! I used to use a car seat when we just had Emma-but it was for the front seat only, and I didn't like the idea of her being up front if the airbags deployed in an accident. She too used to freak out and get carsick in her crate, which is why we stopped using it...well, she somehow outgrew that phase, and now both she & Milli ride in the car in their crates. I won't allow it any other way-it's the safest place for them and for us when we're in the car. I have heard horror stories of dogs getting down by the driver's feet, or distracting the driver and causing accidents. It's not worth that heartbreak-please crate or restrain your dogs in car seats in the car. __________________ Suzy Emma & Milli What's better than loving a yorkie? Loving two yorkies! Milli 's Remi!

03-22-2008, 06:36 PM	#10
SladesMommy Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ATX Posts: 4,513	I really need to get my babies a harness belt and carseat. I'm embarrassed to say, but Slade usually rides on my lap, and Laney in the passenger seat w/o any restraints. __________________ GIGANTIC DOG CLOTHES SALE!!! <--- CLlCK!

03-22-2008, 06:45 PM	#12
YorkieTime07 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: atlanta, ga Posts: 920	yes i agree a carseat is the best thing!!! I got mine from petsmart and i bought the harness which goes over his head and under his legs and its padded so he is comfy and he just loves to sit up in his car seat or he will lie down and take a nap!!! People get a kick out of him in it when we stop at the traffic lights but i feel much better knowing he is safe in case of a sudden stop..and yes he use to ride in my lap...all 3 lbs of him!!! __________________ Nathan has a crush on Tatum!!!! The Gentlemens' Club is on the Run!! We're gonna Rock YT with some Fun!!!

03-22-2008, 07:37 AM	#4
dagibbie Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 170	I got the seat I am using at PetSmart. They have a variety of different kinds. The one we got uses an air bag under the place for the dog to keep him up. There is also a netting around like a basket. Our dog will lay his head on the ridge of the basket and go to sleep. There are also ones that can be in the front seat, however, if you do that, make sure you turn off the airbag. If your car does not have that option, keep them in the back seat. No one is laughing at the construction site now expecially those who drove by after work and saw us!

03-22-2008, 08:05 AM	#5
tnpowell BANNED for Not Sending a Gift Exchange Gift Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dixon, Mo Posts: 340	This is a good post. I agree, I get ragged on from my friends about having my puppies car seat in my SUV. It makes me feel comfortable when traveling with them. I dont have to worry about them jumping in and out os seats going under the seat or anything else. I have the Pet Voyager I purchased from dog.com, with the attached harness. They can either stand or laydown. I love it. I try and take them out every chance I get exspecially since it is getting nice out.

03-22-2008, 08:17 AM	#7
tnpowell BANNED for Not Sending a Gift Exchange Gift Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dixon, Mo Posts: 340	It is the Outward Hound Elevated Car Seat. It has a air blowup bag that adjusts the height. This one is a good one also. Take you puppie with you to see which one he is comfortable in. I know my petsmart has them out. I purchased one from dog.com. the Pet Voyager. I love it but it is ideal for small dogs, like the Yorkies. They can be put in the front or back seat. Its make for up to 12lbs. It has a fax lamb linner in in and it it snug where my babies feel secure. I tried the Outhound but they did better in the one I got. Thats why I said take your baby with you to petsmart and put them in it to see if they are comfortable.

03-22-2008, 03:10 PM	#8
dagibbie Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 170	The brand of seat we have is "Outward Hound" and I know it comes in a couple of sizes based on weight.

03-22-2008, 07:04 PM	#13
SladesMommy Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ATX Posts: 4,513	How much are the seats at petsmart? now that I have my new (to me) jeep we will probably do much more traveling, so I really need to get Slade one. I've looked at the ones on Petedge, but I'm not sure if maybe it would just be cheaper to go to PetSmart (which is about 45 mins away) __________________ GIGANTIC DOG CLOTHES SALE!!! <--- CLlCK!