Ceva Animal Health highlights need to restrain pets in cars

Ceva Animal Health has called on pet owners to ensure they take the necessary precautions to ensure their dogs are restrained and relaxed when travelling in cars.

A survey by the firm has revealed that 27 percent of owners are unaware that the Highway Code states that dogs and other animals need to be restrained during car journeys, while 19 percent said they do not take any precautions in this regard.

Moreover, despite 90 percent of pet owners stating their dog travels well in the car, 40 percent of canines display stress-related behaviours during transit, with many owners doing nothing to alleviate their fears.

As such, Ceva recommends that owners make use of seat belt harnesses, boot guards, pet carriers or dog cages, while making efforts to get their dogs used to the car by teaching it to sit inside the vehicle while it is stationary or travelling over short distances.

Emma Jackson, Adaptil product manager at Ceva, said this "will ensure that both pets and owners are safe and happy when travelling".

The company's Adaptil offering is a pet behavioural aid that has various applications, with Ceva having also recently launched a campaign to showcase how it can help to calm pets during fireworks season.