Every dog owner has the same thing in common: a love for their dog and a desire to keep them safe. However, lots of dog owners don't know that car trips can present a hidden danger to their canine friends.
If you're a dog owner, you know that going for car rides with your pooch can be quite an experience. Some dogs love going on road trips, while others get shaky and nauseous.
No matter whether or not your dog likes the car, every dog owner wants to keep their pup safe while driving.
It's usually easiest to just open the door, let your dog hop in — maybe get them set with a cool dog hammock like this one — and roll the windows down to let them get some fresh air.
As soon as you open the window, though, your dog probably leaps toward it in order to hang their head out of the car.
They always look so happy with their tongues lolling out of their mouths and their eyes squinting in the sunlight — but it's actually really dangerous to let them hang their head out of the car window.
Thumbnail Photo: Pixabay / Unsplash
Why You Should Never Let Your Dog Hang Their Head Out The Car Window
It might look cute when dogs hang their head out of a car window, but it's actually really dangerous.
Dogs may love the wind in their face, but they might be at risk for serious accidents with their heads hanging out of the car.
Learn the risks, and keep your pup all the way inside the car when you hit the road together.
Reason #1: Your Dog Could Get Debris In Their Eyes
The first scary thing that can happen when your dog hangs their head out of the car window is that things can fly into their eyes.
Objects like leaves, twigs, and tiny pebbles can go flying when cars drive over them, and they can hit your dog at a high speed. This can easily cause serious damage to your dog's eyes and face.
Reason #2: The Dog Could Jump Through The Window
Although most owners know their dogs well enough to know whether or not they'll stay in the car, it's never a good idea to give your dog the option to jump out.
If you keep the window open and let your dog hang their head out, they could see a ball go by or a child run past, then want to chase after them. Even the best dogs could leap from the car if the right thing grabs their attention.
At any speed, this could cause your dog serious injury, especially if your pooch is attached to a leash.
Reason #3: The Dog Could Step On Window Controls
If your dog is hanging their head out the window, chances are they aren't paying attention to what's going on inside the car — which means they're just going to try their best to keep the wind in their fur.
In trying to get their head further out the window, your dog might step on the window controls, which could lower the window enough for them to jump out, or raise the window and choke them.
Reason #4: Your Dog Could Go Flying If You Stop Suddenly
If your dog is hanging their head out the window, or sitting unharnessed anywhere in the car, you risk them getting banged around should you stop suddenly or get in an accident.
Car accidents are scary, but if your dog is in the car with you and completely unprotected, it can be very dangerous. Even just braking hard could cause your dog to go flying.
If that happens, your dog's face or neck could be impacted by the side of the window.
Reason #5: The Dog Could Fall Out During A Turn
If the window is open wide, your dog could also fall out if you turn rapidly or end up in a collision.
Even if you know your dog would never jump out of the car intentionally, they could still accidentally fall out!
Reason #6: Your Dog’s Eyes Could Get Dried Out
If your dog spends a lot of time hanging their head out the window, their eyes could get very dried out.
You might think this is no big deal, but according to Pet Health Network, dogs' corneas are very delicate. If they get damaged, they're not easy to repair.
It's also not the kind of injury your dog will alert you to, so it's something humans have to be aware of and prevent.
Reason #7: Dogs Can Get Foreign Bodies In Their Noses And Ears
In addition to objects flying into dogs' eyes, debris and foreign bodies (like insects, twigs, or gravel) can also fly into dogs' ears and noses.
If your dog's head is hanging out of the car window, it can also hit low-hanging branches or overgrown shrubs that are close to the street.
Foreign objects that get lodged in your pup's ears or nose can cause severe inflammation and injury.
What’s The Safest Way For Your Dog To Travel In The Car?
According to Pet Health Network, you should always keep your dog in the backseat of the car — this protects both the dog and the passenger.
If a dog is in the front seat, it can be a distraction to the driver, which can lead to accidents.
So, what's the best way to travel with your dog?
Keeping Your Dog Safe
To keep your dog safe, restrain them in the car. There are lots of restraint mechanisms like dog seat belts and restraint harnesses that can keep your dog confined to the back seat.
These options will keep your beloved pup safe and sound, wherever the two of you go together!
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