HEAT Think about the overwhelming heat you feel when you first get in your car after it has been parked in the sun. No matter how many times we hear a warning not to leave our dogs in the car during the summer, police are still breaking into them, and veterinary emergency rooms are performing emergency medical procedures for dogs that are left in the car for “just a few minutes” while their human families are shopping or banking.
When the outside temperature is in the low 80s, it only takes a few minutes for the temperature inside an automobile to become 110 or more, even with the windows slightly open. Not too long after that, your dog will suffer from heatstroke. If a car is parked in the sun, the temperature inside can rise 30 degrees per minute, which does not take more than just a few minutes to become a deadly situation.
The family dog is not forgotten…he is purposely and with intent left in the car. So, if you’re taking your dog with you on a hot day to go shopping, do your dog a huge favor and leave him home where it is cooler, more comfortable, and not life-threatening. It’s the kindest thing you can do.
Brachycephalic dogs, which are dogs with indented foreheads and short snouts like Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pugs, as well as puppies, senior dogs, heavy-coated or overweight dogs, or dogs with respiratory and cardiovascular problems, should be given extra consideration.
SECURITY Something I cannot get used to seeing is dogs riding in the back of pick-up trucks. This is so dangerous that it has become illegal in many states. Your dog may not attempt to jump out of the truck, but any shortstop might throw him into traffic. If he is tethered, he will still sustain injuries or possibly be strangled. If your dog is crated in the back of a pick-up, the crate needs to be secured so that it does not slide around or get thrown from the truck’s bed.
The cargo area of an SUV is meant for packages, groceries, supplies, etc. It is not the safest place in your vehicle for any precious family member. If your SUV is rear-ended, that is not where you would want your dog to be! It’s not where I would allow my dog to be! However, when a dog is placed in a crate, in an SUV, even if steps are taken to secure the crate, it most likely winds up being in the cargo area as close to the hatch as possible. I understand that this is done for easier access and exiting. But this increases the danger of your dog being severely hurt during a crash. The further from the hatch, the better.
I see many dogs left unfettered in the cargo area. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! It’s dangerous not only for your dog but for the driver and passengers, as any sudden stop will cause the dog to fly through the passenger area. Additionally, it is dangerous for a dog not to be secured safely in any part of any vehicle.
A travel harness is secure, comfortable, easy to use, and may save your dog’s life in an accident. The car harness is worn like any other but is stronger and more padded. It is made so your vehicle seat belt can be threaded through the back of the harness, giving your dog some wiggle room to move around or lie down. However, When your vehicle stops suddenly, the seatbelt will lock in place and prevent your dog from being thrown about the interior or through the windshield.
I have recently been asked about a restraining device that stretches and is used to tether a dog in a vehicle, giving the dog more freedom to move about. This goes against the principle and purpose of using a seatbelt or restraint for safety. What good would your seatbelt do if it stretched and allowed you to thrust forward in a crash?
Another concern pet parent have and ask about is whether their dog should be in the front seat or back seat of the vehicle. Research has led me to the conclusion that the back seat is the safest place for your dog while wearing a safety travel harness. This also applies to children because the rear seat of a vehicle is safer during head-on collisions.
I understand the concern and stress pet parents feel when their dog is secured in the vehicle’s rear seat. This issue stems from the behavior of the dog during a car ride. If your dog has anxiety or motion sickness, tends to bark at everything moving outside of your vehicle, or just whines to get your attention, driving can become a challenge. In those scenarios, pet parents feel they have better control when the dog is next to them in the front seat.
Once again, this situation would most likely improve with dress rehearsals. Practice for short intervals with your dog in a safety harness in the back seat of your vehicle on the driveway, leaving all the doors open.
I know you love your dog, so please think about his safety before you both go cruising.