Most dogs love to go for a ride. They love to feel the wind blowing in their faces as they watch the trees go sailing by.
Unfortunately, it is getting to be more difficult to keep your furry four-legged friend safe when riding with you in a vehicle.
Never take a dog with you in the car if you are not going to be able to stay with him. While parked in the car with the puppy, windows should be lowered to provide cool air at all times or the air conditioner should be kept on. It takes only a few short minutes for a dog to overheat in a car with closed windows. Heat stroke can set in quickly and it can be deadly. If at all possible, park in a shaded area for you and your puppy.
Dog owners should always keep fresh, cool water in the car so that Rover can reduce his body heat with a refreshing drink. Even though you may be just planning a quick run to the store, something could go awry and the dog could be stuck in the car longer than expected.
Allowing your dog to ride with his or her head hanging out of the window is not a very good idea. There are too many things that can go wrong. If something exciting catches their attention, they may leap from the moving vehicle. This opens the door for serious injury. Think about what happens if you slam on the brakes.
The wind rushing around the dog’s ears could cause an ear infection. Dogs that have moist ears – perhaps from swimming – are more prone to such infections.
Debris from the roadways can be kicked up, creating dust clouds and sending particles of dirt flying into your dog’s eyes. A dog with his head hanging out the window is an open invitation to stinging insects.
While it is best to keep your dog’s head inside the car at all times, you can compromise if you have to. Put Rover in the back seat and open the rear window enough t allow him to see out and enjoy some fresh air. Don’t open the window wide enough to allow the dog to put his whole head outside of the car. There are several manufacturers of doggie goggles that are designed to protect the eyes.
Last, but not least, it’s vital that you restrain your dog in the car. Most states require that humans wear seat belts for their own safety. There are several companies that sell seat belt restraints for dogs of all sizes. Invest in a good restraint and get Rover in the habit of wearing it. If there was ever an accident, you will be very happy that you made this minor investment that can easily save your puppy’s life.
Related posts:
- Heat Safety
- Pool Safety
- Promoting Puppy Safety at Home
- A Dogs Sense of Hearing
- Selecting a Healthy Puppy From the Litter
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