Main Index
Featured Content
Our Web Store
Basenji Picture Gallery
Breeders and Clubs
Latest Dog Blogs
- 9 Science-Backed Reasons To Own A Dog
- How To Prepare Yourself For A New Dog
- Is Your Dog Smelly? Here’S What You Need To Do
- Brushing Your Dog's Hair
- Thinking Of Having An Evening Out At The Dogs?
- Debunking Some Pet Myths
- You Lucky Dog! Five Times A Dog Brought People Different Types Of Good Luck
- The Flu You Have Versus Dog Flu: 5 Things To Know
- What Are The 5 Types Of Dog Breeders?
- Dog Teeth Dental Care Tips - How A Dog Toothbrush, If Used Right, Can Help You Avoid Costly Vet Fees
IrishDogs.ie Weather
Safe Travels With Our Four-Legged Friends
- 11/03/2017
Nothing is more ubiquitous of a road trip than a sunny drive with the windows down and a dog’s head hanging out the car, ears flapping in the breeze, tongue out, and tail wagging. However, there are a number of dangers that pet owners should be aware of when letting their dog or puppy loose in the car.
Although no one wants to think of the worst case scenario, properly restraining a dog, such as with a seat belt or a portable soft dog crate, can keep a dog from being injured or killed in the case of an accident. For one, a loose dog in the car can be a major distraction to the driver. Any number of occurrences can startle a dog, such as honking from other cars, poor weather, or even the driver accidentally driving the car across a rumble strip.
A scared dog may try to seek refuge on the driver’s lap, causing the driver to momentarily lose control of the car. Owners have also reported their dogs having jumped down near the driver’s feet, which can ruin the driver’s ability to hit the brakes. Even if not scared, a dog may still try to play with the driver or seek attention from him or her, especially during long car rides.
In the unfortunate case of an accident, an unrestrained dog is very likely to become injured. If the dog is sitting in the front seat, either on a passenger’s lap or by himself, the detonation of the airbag can be particularly devastating. Additionally, even in minor accidents, the trauma from the wreck can cause a dog to try and flee the car. If the accident occurs in an unfamiliar area or on a busy road, the dog can easily become lost or hit by another car if escaping through a broken window or door.
Even though dogs cannot resist hanging their heads out of the car windows, owners should not allow their pups to do so. Every year, veterinarians treat eye injuries, head trauma, and broken bones caused by dogs being allowed to feel the wind in their fur. When travelling at even moderate speeds, road debris, bugs, and gravel can become lodged in a dog’s eyes, causing serious corneal injury or blindness. Overgrown branches along the side of the road, or even narrow passageways through tunnels, can also pose a risk, resulting in head trauma. Dogs have also been known to see another dog on the sidewalk and jump from the moving car, resulting in abrasions, broken bones, and even death. Sun or moon roofs are not any safer, as a dog’s head can become injured if driving under a low hanging bridge or tree branch.
Ultimately, the safest way for a dog to ride in a car is to be restrained in the back seat. Although restraining a dog may take the initial fun out of car rides, doing so is safer for everyone in the car, as well as for people in other vehicles on the road.
You can view our full range of Dog Safety Harnesses and Buckles here ...
Please Help Us
IrishDogs.ie takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe our perspective matters because it might well be your perspective, too.
Our future could be much more secure with your help. Please SUPPORT us by either clicking on the Donate Button at the Top Right of your screen or, perhaps, click on our Google Ads if you feel that they are relevant.
You Might Also Like
Quick Search
Donate
In Store
The Poop Scoop News Feed
- This RSS feed URL is deprecated
- Dogs that can sniff out electronic devices enlisted in the fight against ... - Chicago Tribune
- Schedule Unleashed dogs are up for adoption - BuffaloBills.com
- LOOK: Jaguars will become the first NFL team to feature a dog park at home stadium - CBSSports.com
- Woman Caught Dumping Dogs on Camera by Good Samaritan in ... - PEOPLE.com
Latest Dog Pods
- Tips on How to Stop Your Dog from Biting
- Beware - Not All Advertised Dog Rescues Really Are! How Can You Know The Truth?
- Helpful Tips For Dog Obedience Problems
- How to Keep Dogs From Eating Poop
- Dog Grooming Tips - A General Overview of the Very Basics of Dog Grooming
- Recognising Different Types of Dog Obedience Problems
- 5 Important Tips On Feeding A Puppy