Car Safety With Your Dog
July 28, 2020
Sometimes it’s hard to resist the temptation of letting your dog hang out of the car window on a beautiful summer’s day. But the truth of the matter is, it’s very dangerous.
Of course, your dog doesn’t understand the perils of hanging out of a speeding car. All they are interested in is the cornucopia of scents whizzing past their noses like a high-speed sushi train. With tongues trailing in the wind, your dog in that moment is the very picture of bliss. So why would you want to take that away from them?
Your dog could leap out of the window
No matter how well trained your dog is, all it takes is one cheeky squirrel teasing your dog with a flick of its tail and he’s out of the car in a flash. If you’re in traffic, this could cause an accident or your dog could get run over.
Your dog could sustain an eye injury
When you’re travelling at speed, even a harmless bug could pose a threat – not to mention something more significant like a stone or falling debris from the truck in front of you.
Your dog could fall out of the window
If you roll down the window too far, your dog could lean all the way out and find himself in the middle of the road.
Your dog could fly out of the window
Especially if you have to make an emergency stop. Slamming on the brakes could projectile launch your dog into oncoming traffic or head first into a vehicle in front of you.
Your dog could get crushed
If you hit something or if someone hits your car, then your dog could be in serious trouble and potentially get killed.
It is one of the delights of summer and it gives you and your dogs great joy. But there are safer ways to letting your dog enjoy the scents wafting through the window.
Safer ways to travel with your dog
Keep your dog secure with a safety patented seat belt. Make sure it’s not too long and will keep them from sticking their head out the window. Roll down the window enough so the delicious smells of life can still get in.
Secure them in back compartment
If you have an SUV with a cargo space and side windows in the back, it’s the perfect place for your dog to travel safely. Just install a barrier between them and the back seat so they can’t roam around the car.
Use a crate
A doggie crate in the back seat is another solution. Make sure you get the wire design and not the plastic ones, so your dog can also enjoy the view. Use a cushion inside the crate to elevate them enough to be able to look out the window.
When you’re out and about with your dog, even if you’re just popping out to the convenience store for a minute or two, safely secure your dog in the car away from wide open windows.