Booster Dog Seat: The Must-Have Accessory for Safe and Fun Road Adventures with Fido
Dogs are more than pets, dogs are family! This is something any dog owner can attest to, and as the special family members they are, it’s logical to make them part of every adventure, no matter where the road takes you. However, getting behind the wheel with a pet on board is never an easy task.
You can never be sure if your beloved Fido would go undisturbed by something on the road, or if it would spend the whole journey well-behaved. Even the most reliable good boys and girls have their moments, when they’re feeling anxious, alarmed, or simply in need of pets. This is where the danger lies, as dogs that are misbehaving when on board can be distracting, putting you both in danger, as well as everyone else participating in traffic.
The last thing you want is a life-threatening situation, unlike the planned adventure experience. Remember, the car is made primarily for human use, and not for pets, so you’d have to do some dog-proofing before embarking on this journey together. While there are several accessories to get, my focus with this blog post is convenient dog seats that are simply must-haves for your pooch’s safety.
Do Dogs Need a Seat?
Much like you, your furry friend requires a secure and comfortable seating area for the duration of the trip, which is exactly what specialised dog seats are for. This is especially true for small to medium-sized dogs that need to be better secured throughout the trip, and a cage or crate simply won’t do.
As such, they’re great for pets that tend to be on the more anxious side and keeping them in an enclosed box only adds to their stress. The open basket-like design booster dog seats are ideal to keep them nice and snug, allowing them to sit comfortably and glance at the changing landscapes and passers-by, stand to feel the breeze from the window or lie down for a restful nap.
Simply said, they’re perfect for the dog that loves the look and feel of a dog bed. This makes them equally great for pets with bone and mobility issues as they’re gentle on their joints and muscles. The best thing about these seats is they’re very lightweight, easily portable and stored, and can be secured to the car’s seat with minimal hassle quite like a child’s seat.
Don’t worry if your pet is of the fidgety kind as these accessories come with safety leashes designed to keep the pets in place. This is particularly reassuring regarding their safety from injuries in case of a hard stop or an accident. Not to mention the way they would also be of help in keeping your precious car mats and car seat covers free from fur and all kinds of mess.
So yes, if you needed one more reason in favour of these accessories, cleanliness and hygiene are it. Although you may try some dog car safety seats with a bigger capacity to restrain a bigger dog, it’s best left to the job of a dog hammock that takes up the whole back seat area. It’s open, it’s spacious, and it’s comfortable – perfect for the larger-boned four-legged friends.
What to Look for When Buying a Booster Seat?
Basically, shopping for a car safety seat for dogs isn’t that different from shopping for a child safety seat. First, it’s important to look for a design that won’t only fit in your car as it should, but it would primarily be in the size and capacity for your dog to be nicely secured. For this, it’s essential to check for weight, length, and height, and make sure they’re a match for your pup.
It’s advisable to go a bit on the bigger side as this would ensure your pet has the needed room to stretch. In case your pup is of the smaller breeds, you could choose from the seat designs that come with extra cushioning to provide them with a better view of their surroundings. If you plan on having your dog ride a shotgun, check to see if the seat you have in mind is designed for this.
Also, it’s necessary to disable the airbag prior to the trip as it could put your dog in danger in case of an accident. To get peace of mind, it’s recommended to choose the back seat instead. This way, you also ensure your dog is less of a distraction to you as you have your eyes on the road. Lastly, focus on the features of the design. Seats made from washable fabrics are a piece of cake to take care of, especially with all the mess your pooch is probably going to make along the way.
A durable fabric is equally a must to withstand all the wear, tear, and washing you’re going to put it through with your partner in crime. Furthermore, a user-friendly design with harnesses you can easily strap is crucial for making road preparations much quicker. And, to count on all the safety the seat promises to provide, it’s best to invest in crash-tested models. Happy travels!
