It's video that can be tough to watch for any pet lover.
Safety advocates have performed crash tests involving dummy dogs that show the danger of leaving
your pet unrestrained. The tests are designed to help owners know how to best protect their pets when they take them for a ride.
Many pets, mainly dogs, love going for a ride with their owners. Many owners just open the car door and let the dog hop into the vehicle. Just as you wouldn't let your small child ride around unrestrained, you should be careful with how you transport your four-legged friends.
"If the care comes to an abrupt stop, or some sort of injury like that when they're thrown into the dashboard, into the window, it can results in a lot of head trauma, spinal injuries, or broken bones," said veterinarian Dr. Emily Davis.
Also, owners can be at risk if an unrestrained dog causes a driving distraction inside the vehicle, which can cause a crash that threatens everyone inside the car.
Protecting your pet and yourself
There are a variety of pet carriers and restraints that allow pets to ride around town safely. But, how do you know which products are the best? Right now, there are not any federal standards to dictate the effectiveness of those pet products.
That's where the Center For Pet Safety comes in. That organization has designed some pet crash tests to rate the safety of various pet products currently on the market.
As a pet owner, you will want to do your homework on any products you purchase for your pet that could affect their health or safety.
You should read online reviews, talk to other pet owners, and you can read the research done by the Center For Pet Safety.