How do you properly fit a dog car harness?

Some people believe that buying a car harness and slipping your dog inside is a reliable and safe way to transport pets from A to B. Although it is the first step to ensuring your dog's safety on the road, car harnesses must be properly fitted and checked to make sure your journey is stress free.

This time of the year usually ensues many getaways and family visits as the Easter holidays are fast approaching. For some, this will mean taking your furry kids with you. It is important that you purchase a high quality car harness (a Beau Pets one of course) in advance so that your dog can get comfortable travelling with it and you can be certain of how it properly fits. 

It is common for people to travel with their dogs in the absence of a seatbelt. Would you let a human child ride in your car without a seatbelt? We don’t see the circumstances being much different. Driving distances can be stressful enough, having your dog climbing between seats, sitting on the kids or getting under your feet, why add another stress of putting your pet at risk? We always recommend securing your dog properly in a car harness no matter how short the drive.

Don’t know how to use a car harness? Unsure of how to properly fit one?

Here is a run-down of our tips that we use to keep our furry family safe every day:

• Before taking your dog for a ride, put the harness on them while in the house if they are new to wearing harnesses. It is important they are used to it first.

• If you know that your dog loves chewing on things, it is suggested that you use a bite deterrent spray on the front straps. Note that although the nylon has a high breaking strain, sharp little teeth can chew through almost anything.

• To measure the fit of the harness, try and place two flat fingers between the harness and the dog's back.

• You want to make sure your dog to be able to lie down during the ride, so adjust the seat belt fitting appropriately, long enough they can lie down but short enough that they won’t fall off the seat

• We also suggest before taking them on a long haul drive, you take them for a few short trips so they are comfortable with the whole process and feeling of wearing the harness

• It is never a good idea to place your dog in the front seat, as airbags can seriously injure dogs. You wouldn’t let a young child sit in the front seat so why should your dogs?

Our Beau Pets harnesses come in a range of sizes, inclusive of Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large & Extra Large. The restraint strap comes in two different widths, 15mm and 25mm and are adjustable in length. Our products are available at selected pet retail stores & veterinary clinics. A comprehensive list of your nearest stockist is coming soon.

However, if you already own a walking harness that your dog knows and loves, there is an option to purchase a Beau Pets restraint strap that clips on to any harness and will attach to your car seat belt fitting.

Happy & safe travels!

Beau Pets