TRAVELLING WITH YOUR SHIBA

As much as we all love to see a cute and happy face poking out from a car window and lapping up the breeze and sun, we ask you to use a car restraint when travelling with your pet.  We feel there are three critical safety benefits of using pet restraints:

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1.     Window safety - your pet will not be tempted to jump from a window, nor will he/she be at risk of falling out of an open window as a result of sudden directional changes or braking

2.     Driver distraction - there is less chance of the driver being distracted or injured if a pet is unable to move around the vehicle

3.     Collision protection - if you suddenly brake or have a sudden impact there is less chance of your dog becoming a projectile.

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When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.

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Below are some widely available restraint options we suggest, although you should take into consideration the type of car you drive and the size and shape of your dog:

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Harness - Swivel style attachment systems which anchor to the existing seat-belt and attach to a dog harness. To be effective, it is essential for the harness to be correctly fitted and for the anchor to be secure

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Pet transport crates - For complete safety, crates must be secured to your vehicle and be big enough for a pet to stand up, lie down and turn around as per RSPCA guidelines

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Cargo barriers - Ideal for station wagons and four-wheel drives. They can be purchased to suit your make and model of vehicle or you can purchase adjustable barriers which are easily installed and removed. If your cargo area is large, consider the use of a harness as well.

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The NRMA reports "If you're driving 60km per hour with an unrestrained 20kg dog in your car and it gets thrown onto you, the impact is the same as if it had hit you from a third-floor balcony".

 

It is illegal to put dogs in the boot of a sedan type car. Dogs can travel in the cabin of the car or behind a cargo barrier in the back of wagon / SUV type vehicles. If on the back of a ute or trailer they must be appropriately tethered or caged. When travelling, dogs must be provided with adequate ventilation and water- also remember to take a lead and harness.

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Shibalia SAFE PRACTICES

Our puppies must be fully vaccinated before they walk outside of our home. Our view is that the concrete, grass or surface may look fine; however, I am super cautious of Parvovirus and other unseeable contaminants. Until they are vaccinated, I take them for a walk in the stroller where they get fresh air, sunlight and really love listening to the birds. This also helps with hearing traffic and meeting people.

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Also please for so many reasons never tie your Shib to a post out the front of a shop.

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Remember that dog parks carry germs and bacteria.  They are hosts to parasites such as Fleas, Roundworms, Hookworms, Giardia and diseases such as Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Distemper, Influenza and Kennel Cough etc… Highly recommended that you do not walk your puppy through this environment or even a pet shop unless vaccinated.