As dogs have become valued family members, it is more and more common to see dogs riding in their owners’ cars. On any highway excursion you will witness dogs riding in the driver’s lap, hanging halfway out the window, pacing nervously back-and-forth in the back seat, or riding “shotgun” in the front seat.
All of these situations put the driver, the dog, and any the other passengers in a perilous position. If the car swerves or stops abruptly, the dog becomes a 20- to 80-pound missile flying around the inside of the car, striking other passengers, smashing the windshield, or launching out an open window.
Dogs riding in the front passenger seat will likely be killed instantly by the inflation of the airbag in the dashboard. That’s why young children are legally required to ride in the backseat!
If you love your dog enough to train him and to take him on errands and excursions to dog parks, surely you want to learn the best way to keep him safe in the car.
There are steps you can take to significantly increase your pet’s chances of surviving a collision and decrease the potential for distracted driving and injuries to other passengers and other drivers on the road.
First, move the dog out of the front seat and lower car windows no more than two inches for air circulation so he can’t stick his head out. Now put your dog in a chest harness and attach a 2-foot leash. Run the car safety belt through the leash handle and latch it. The dog will be able to sit, stand or lie down, but he will not be able to jump around the car. Another option is to secure the dog’s crate in the back of the car and have him travel in his crate.
If your dog is nervous about riding in the car, feed him his meals in the car for a week to create a positive association with being in the car. Take the dog for short 10 to 15 minute rides (on an empty stomach) until he stops panting, lip-licking, and/or pacing and generally appears more relaxed. When you are going on longer road trips, stop every 1.5 to 2 hours to exercise the dog, and it’s wise to delay feeding him until you reach your destination.
If your dog tends to get carsick, give him a couple of peppermint candies before you start to settle his stomach. Also, make sure there is plenty of circulating air on curvy roads.
Finally, an age-old but crucially important bit of car advice: park your car in the shade and never leave the dog in the car if the outside temperature is above 70°F.
Jean Cary’s in-home dog training program for companion dogs and service dogs, Service Dog Tutor, serves clients from South San Francisco to Sunnyvale. She helps clients adapt their dogs to do specific service tasks and to prepare for public access. Her 27 years of experience with Pet Assisted Therapy make her uniquely suited to work with seniors, disabled owners, and their dogs. Contact Jean at 650-593-9622 or jeancary@me.com.
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Main article photo by: stock.xchange
