In most movies and TV shows that feature dogs, you’re eventually going to have a scene in the show where the dog owner is driving down the road, and their furry friend is in the front seat, hanging out the window, tongue out, their fur flying in the breeze. The thing is that letting your dog hang out of the car window when you’re driving down the road is not only dangerous for your large dog; it’s also illegal to do in most states.
It’s estimated that over three million pets are killed in car accidents yearly in the United States. Naturally, this is something you want to prevent from happening to your pup. That’s why it’s important to take care of your pup when you’re driving with him in the car, just like you do with your children. Start by purchasing a seat belt for your pup. You make sure that your children wear seat belts when you’re in the car, right? Then a seat belt for your small dog shouldn’t be too much of a stretch either. In this article, you’ll find a few ways to protect your pup when you’re riding in the car together.
Never let your pup roam free inside your car.
While it may be tempting to let your small dog sit beside you as you drive, it’s dangerous for, not only your pup, but for you as well. Your large dog should also never ride in the bed of your pickup truck. It’s too easy for them to jump or fall out and end up getting hurt. The best way to keep your pup from roaming inside the car is to purchase a dog seat belt. Pet safety is important to you, so a seat belt for your large dog will give you peace of mind that he’s protected while you’re driving down the road, even if it’s only a short distance to the corner store. You want to make sure that the seat belt you use is in the back seat and that it’s durable enough to hold and protect your small dog when you’re on the road.
Get to know the law in your area.
It’s illegal for your pup to roam free in the car and certainly for them to hang their head out of the window in many states. You need to know the law in your area if you don’t want a ticket for endangering yourself, your dog, and other motorists on the road as well. Whether it’s mandated in your area for your dog to be restrained when riding anywhere or not, it’s important to follow these precautions anyway, no matter what state you live in or what state you’re going to be traveling in.
Train your dog to behave.
An unrestrained dog can be aggravating and distracting when you’re driving. If you train your dog to behave during car rides, that’s half the battle. Starting when your pet is just a puppy, take him on short rides to see how he behaves. Make sure that the places you take him are fun because, if the only time your pup gets in the car is to go to the vet, he may be nervous and misbehaved on the way. The more places you take your pet, the better behaved he will be the next time you travel together.
These are just a few of the best tips out there to help you keep your dog safe when you’re in the car. No one wants to have to leave their beloved furry friend at home when they travel. Following these tips will ensure that you don’t have to.
