Dog Safety

In a nation that sells bottled water for pets that don't think twice about drinking out of toilets, it's not surprising that car-safety products for dogs have joined squeak toys, rawhide bones, and leashes as staples of pet supply stores.

Between dog goggles and dog seatbelts, it only seems like a matter of time before we'll see Jeff Gordon or Jimmie Johnson crossing a NASCAR finish line with a cocker spaniel poking its goofy-eared head out the passenger side window.

If you own a pooch and plan to travel with your pet, here are some of the more popular car-safety dog products on the market.

Pet Travel Hammock

More of a safety net than a hammock, this attaches to the back of the front-seat headrests and drapes down across the back seats, creating a hammock. This prevents your dog from tumbling onto the floor during quick stops or unexpected swerves. It also makes it harder for the pet to climb into the front seat.

Personalized Pet Car Seat

If you own a dog named Princess or Lady Winky, chances are good this product is for you. Designed for small dogs (less than 10 pounds), this elevated, square cotton canvas carrier easily attaches to any seat, allowing your prized pooch to be able to see out the window. An included safety harness prevents driving distractions by keeping your pet from jumping in and out. And the cuteness factor jumps up when you have Fluffy's name embroidered on the front.

Travel Harness

By any other name, this collection of straps is a seatbelt. It fits around the back of your dog's front legs, giving your pet the same security enjoyed by human passengers. Most models conveniently attach to seatbelt buckles, while others tether via your vehicle's round bar. Not only does this protect your dog, but it also keeps the pooch from restlessly leaping back and forth between the front and back seats.

Dog Ramp

It sucks getting old, even for dogs. Designed for dogs long in years, dog ramps allow your pet to enter and exit cars without having to leap, jump, or wait for a lift. Depending on the height of your vehicle, you can choose a long or a short ramp. Some models conveniently convert into floating devices, allowing your dog easy in and out access to swimming pools or onto docks or boats.

Dog Goggles

Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as goggles for dogs. Known in pet-owner-speak as "doggles," these fashion statements look like a cross between swimming goggles and World War I aviator glasses. Doggles feature an adjustable strap with foam-cushioned lenses, preventing the eyewear from blowing off every time your dog leans its head out the car window. And you as an owner can sleep soundly at night knowing the glasses also afford your pet's eyes 100% UV protection.