When taking your Shih Tzu for a drive, safety and comfort are paramount. Securing your dog properly is essential, as relying on your lap or the car's seat can be risky. Additionally, small dogs like the Shih Tzu are prone to motion sickness due to their size, which can cause discomfort, panic, or even a dislike for car rides.
This guide will delve into the top five reasons for using a car seat, the best car seat options for Shih Tzu dogs, and seven tips to prevent motion sickness, ensuring your furry friend's travels are as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Chloe at 6 years old, in her car seat, photo courtesy of Cheryl V.
In this section:
5 Reasons to Have Your Shih Tzu in a Car Seat: Important safety aspects
Aspects of a Safe and Comfortable Car Seat: What to look for
Recommended Car Seats: For both Shih Tzu puppies and dogs
Tips to Prevent Car Sickness: Overview, top 7 tips
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Securing your Shih Tzu in a canine car seat is crucial for their well-being and safety. Here are five key points to remember:
#1 Using the right seat can play a big role in preventing motion sickness.
A raised booster car seat, sized for toy breeds, can significantly reduce car sickness for Shih Tzu dogs by providing a clear view out of the windows and access to fresh air. This clear view helps by allowing a dog to visually process their movement, aligning their sense of motion with what they see, which is a key factor in preventing motion sickness. Additionally, the fresh air aids in reducing any nauseating feeling and provides a sense of calmness, further mitigating the chances of car sickness.
#2 You can't say a car accident won't happen to you.
Car crash statistics show the average person will be in 3 car accidents in their lifetime. And with over 16,000 vehicle accidents daily in the U.S., with the majority happening close to home within just 3 miles, no one is immune. Good driving doesn't negate the risk, as unpredictable factors like other drivers and weather conditions come into play.
#3 Having an unsecured dog increases the likelihood of an accident.
Having an unsecured dog increases the likelihood of an accident. Nearly 20% of crashes are due to distracted driving and an unrestrained dog, even a well-behaved one, is a distraction. An enlightening survey of pet owners conducted by AAA and Kurgo revealed that only 29% of people admitted being distracted by their dog, but at the same time, 65% also admitted to engaging in a distracting task with their dog while driving:
Looking away from the road for just 2 seconds doubles the chances of a crash. And did you know that if you were traveling 55 MPH and took your eyes off the road for 2.5 seconds, that you would travel the length of 1/2 of a football field?
#4 Not securing your Shih Tzu poses a significant risk to their safety.
An unsecured dog, even at slow speeds, is vulnerable to crash force in an accident, which can propel and seriously harm your pet. Here’s what can happen if your Shih Tzu is not in a car seat:
#5 Both the insurance company and the police want your Shih Tzu in a car seat.
If your Shih Tzu is injured in an at-fault accident without being properly secured, most insurers won't cover the vet bills. Furthermore, many states enforce laws on pet transportation safety. For instance, New Jersey imposes fines from $250 to $1000 for improper animal transportation. States like Arizona, Connecticut, and Maine include pets in distracted driving laws, and Hawaii fines $57 for unrestrained pets, increasing to $97 if the pet is on your lap. However, the motivation should go beyond just avoiding fines, focusing on your Shih Tzu's safety.
There are various car safety options for pets, but not all are suitable for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs. Avoid free-standing crates or cages, as they fail to secure a dog safely, turning both the crate and pet into projectiles during an accident. Seat belt extenders, designed for larger dogs, are also not ideal for the Shih Tzu breed, particularly in addressing motion sickness.
The optimal choice is a raised booster car seat. These offer multiple benefits for safety and comfort:
#1 The K&H Bucket Booster Car Seat.
This car seat is an excellent choice for its stability and comfort for small dogs, giving a clear view and keeping them close to fresh air. It's easy to install, which is a plus. The seat boasts a 3-inch foam cushion with a quilted cover that's removable and washable. Recommended sizes are small for Shih Tzus up to 15 lbs. and large for those nearing 20 lbs., with the large size accommodating two small Shih Tzus side-by-side, thanks to inner buckles.
This is designed for dogs under 25 lbs, so it's great for adult Shih Tzu dogs. It has a super cozy fleece liner that's removable and washable. And of course, it has a seat belt tether that connects to a Shih Tzu's harness. The base is black and liner options are pastel pink or pastel blue.
If you're looking for something a bit different, this option does not hang, but rather it sits on the car's seat and is an elevated platform. So, you get the same benefits, but with a unique design that can offer even more stability. The liner is removable and this seat is very easy to put in and out of the car.
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