Essential Dog Car Safety Tips for Travel

1. Feel free to open your windows, but keep them from staying wide open for too long. If you plan on taking your furry friend for a drive, it's best not to let them stick their heads out the window. The road is fraught with dangers, especially the risk of being struck by a side car. You can still grant your dog the pleasure of breathing in the air at 55 mph by simply rolling down the windows a few inches. While this doesn't allow them to stick their necks out, it's enough to make the journey enjoyable for them. Moreover, the road is often littered with debris like asphalt, stones, rubber, and glass fragments. A spinning tire can launch a piece of debris at a high speed, potentially shattering your windshield or damaging your vehicle. If your pet's head is sticking out, these dangerous objects could hit them.

2. Keep your dog inside the car, never in the truck bed. They might jump or fall onto the road, and if a car is coming from the opposite direction, the consequences could be devastating. Never assume your dog is too smart to jump out! Veterinarians have seen too many cases of dogs jumping off trucks and getting injured. If your dog spots a squirrel, they might ignore the danger and leap out to chase it. Also, a sudden stop or a bumpy ride could throw them out. And if they're tied up in the back, don't think that's safe; if they're thrown, you might end up dragging them while driving.

3. Take precautions. Allowing your dog to roam freely in the car can lead to accidents, such as them stepping on the pedals or colliding with the steering wheel. When they see another dog or someone they want to greet, they might jump out. And if your car is hit by another vehicle or you quickly swerve to avoid an accident, your dog could fall out. Many pets suffer severe injuries in these situations. The safest place for your dog is inside the car, in a carrier, or in a secure space. Dog car safety products are widely available at most pet supply stores.

4. Under no circumstances should you leave your dog or any animal unattended in a car, even on a cool day. The sun can turn your car into an oven in minutes, with temperatures soaring to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, leaving your dog in the car also poses a risk of them being stolen.

5. If you let your dog sit in the front seat, be aware that they could be killed by your airbag in an accident. Airbags are designed for averagesized adults, positioned about 20 inches from the dashboard. Since a dog's head is lower, it's much closer to the airbag. In the event of a collision, the airbag deploys at 200 mph, and if it hits your dog before fully inflating, it could cause injury or even death. By the way, the same issue can affect children, so both should sit in the back seat.

6. Lastly, if you're embarking on a long trip with your dog, remember to bring plenty of water and food. Make sure to stop periodically to let them stretch their legs and use the bathroom.