Ways To Keep Pets Safe On The Road

Surveys show almost two-thirds of Americans take their pets when they travel. But you don't want to just throw Fido in the back seat with a bone.

It's no secret that unsecured objects, including people, can become hazardous projectiles during a car accident. Recently, manufacturers of pet products have started to make restraints specifically for use in cars.

On "Pet Planet" Tuesday, The Early Show's resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner, says restraints for pets in cars aren't just another indulgent product. They're really about safety, for both passengers and pets.

Whenever you leave your house with your pet, you should have some type of restraint that keeps Fido in one place in the car. Carriers are good to use even when traveling short distances. Remember, many accidents happen within several miles of your home. You should also consider bringing water. There are some great portable water bottles on the market.

Turner advises that you take out your product of choice long before your trip and introduce it to your pet. Let Rover spend time in it, so he's not afraid of it. An enclosed product might actually be best for some animals that are scared by a lot of sights and sounds.

Among the products specifically designed for car travel:

SHERPA PET CARRIER $34.00 - $59.00
Dog carrier is beautifully constructed of durable, quilted nylon with mesh panels on three sides for comfort and visibility, giving pets a luxurious way to travel. U-shaped top zipper for easy access, extra large rear pocket to hold food and water, wheel safety strap doubles as a seat belt and slides over handles of wheel-aboard luggage. The super soft, washable, faux lambskin pad makes this portable den a truly comfortable way to travel. Meets domestic and international airline safety rules. Many airlines will allow certain pets in sherpa bags to ride in the cabin. Please check with your carrier for specific rules and fees that may apply.

NO-SPILL PORT-A-BOWL, BY OUTWARD HOUND $6.99
Traveling with your pet just became easier with this no-spill port-a-bowl water bowl by Outward Hound. For water anywhere and everywhere, fill your dog's water ahead of time, then simply tighten the drawstring and the contents stay inside! Made from durable, tear-resistant nylon. Hand washable.

GULPY WATER DISPENSER $9.99
Flip-open/flip-close design; automatically seals when nested; convenient built-in belt clip (also fits most bicycle water bottle holders); generous 20oz. Capacity

TRAVELIN' DOG CAR HARNESS $19.99 to $22.99
A dog harness for the traveling dog. Constructed of heavy-duty nylon webbing and soft, faux sheepskin, the Travelin' Dog car harness is a practical, comfortable way to offer your dog added safety when riding in a vehicle. It's designed to quickly attach to the vehicle's existing seat belt system and snap-lock buckles make it easy to get the harness on and off your dog. Additional padding at the chest protects vulnerable areas from impact and sudden stops. Dogs can sit and stand with the harness on. For best fit, measure around the widest part of the dog's chest. Do not place dogs in front of activated air bags; back-seat use is recommended. This product comes in small, medium and large. Due to the nature of a harness, it is important to get one that fits your pet securely. These harnesses vary according to the girth of the animal.

PAK-O-BIRD
This can be a backpack or a car restraint. It comes fully-loaded with a bowl and a perch. If you are using it as a backpack, there is a tail pouch that extends downward for birds with long tails.

A regular cage does not anchor to the seat like the Pak-o-Bird.

Product detail: Celltei Pak-o-Bird $149.00-$169.00
Dimension: 15" l x 12" w x 18" h; weight: 4 lb. 4 oz. Including: shoulder strap 3 oz.; front backpack strap 7 oz.; support panels 6 oz.; floor panel 7 oz. (removable to reduce weight) additional weight: stainless steel cup 4 oz. Each dragon wood perch 13 to 15 oz. (depends on size); fabric: light weight hi-tech sailcloth material with nylon mesh. (optional: stainless steel mesh).

KENNEL-AIRE BY BARRIER-AIRE $79.99
The Kennel-Aire wire vehicle barrier keeps pets safely in the back of your vehicle. Made from heavy gauge, welded steel, this barrier can be installed and removed quickly. Includes black electro-plate finish for glare reduction and red plastisol coating to protect headliner. Fits most large SUVs, minivans and wagons.

STAINLESS STEEL BOWL BY COOP CUP $2.99 - $9.99
These stainless steel crate bowls outlast six plastic dishes! Rustproof, scratchproof and hygienic, with a lifetime shine that will never dull. Ideal for kennels and outdoor pens. Bowls attach securely with included rigid wire nut bracket.

MULTI-SUE CARGO LINER BY DRYMATE $39.00
The only waterproof, yet absorbent, cargo liner contains spills and prevents soak-through so carpeting, seats and other gear stay dry. Sewn-on loops let you secure it in place with hooks or tie-downs. It also makes a great waterproof blanket, tent liner and more. Machine wash and dry. Universal size measures 54" x 72", x-long is 54" x 84".

RAMPS: Turner says letting dogs jump in and out of cars isn't always wise. Ramps are good for both small and big dogs. Small dogs physically can't jump that high and can injure their backs. As bigger dogs get older, it can be painful to get in and out of cars. Using a ramp means less trauma on their joints.

TELESCOPING PET RAMP BY SOLVIT $99.00
Because it's infinitely adjustable, the telescoping pet ramp is many ramps in one. Extend it fully for use with trucks/SUVs, grooming tables, swimming pools etc., or slide it in for use in tight places such as a bed or couch, or the side entry on a minivan. Made from durable, lightweight plastic, the telescoping pet ramp is strong enough for a St. Bernard, yet light enough to carry with its convenient side handle. The ramp includes non-slip carpeted surface, wide,stable design, high sidewalls, and rubber feet. Features 2" side walls, 12" carpeted walkway. Folds to 40 inches and full extends to 68 inches.

OTHER PRODUCTS:

WHEEL-AWAY PET CARRIER $49.00 - $59.00
You won't find a more versatile dog carrier than this one. It's designed to function as a smooth-rolling wheeled carrier, convenient backpack, secure car seat and a comfortable bed, with just a few small adjustments for each. It is crafted of durable nylon and cool mesh for ventilation, with two exterior zipped pockets for storage. It folds flat when not in use, and can be used for pets up to 15 pounds. Designed to meet carry-on regulations for most airlines; please check with your carrier prior to travel.