March 11th, 2010
|
Roll the window down only enough for the dog’s head to fit out. Never lower the window as far as the dog’s chest level because she can jump out if she sees something to chase. Also, she could be thrown out of the car if you happen to be hit from the side.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
My black lab stays in the back of the car and I roll the window half way down. She loves to ride with her chin resting on the top of the window. Sometimes she even closes her eyes and enjoys the breeze and the ride!
Also be sure to hit the power lock on your windows if you roll your windows down, making it impossible for them to step on the window button and roll the window up, choking them. I know from experience – my boxer almost choked to death when the window was down and she stepped on the window button. Taught me a lesson!!!!!
don’t forget about debris that could be flying and hit your pet in the face or worse the eyes
A car harness is one of the most practical and safest ways to keep a dog in the car regardless if the windows are down or not. There are also a number of car insurance companies that now provide coverage for your pet while in the car . . . BUT they MUST be properly restrained.
I never allow my dog to stick his head out of the window when we’re in motion unless we’re driving through the neighborhood or the park (under 25 mph). I know he loves it (what dog doesn’t?) but would I allow my kid to stick her head/arms out of a moving vehicle? No; and for the same reason: 1) debris could hit them 2) we could get into an accident. To me it’s just common sense and I’d rather be safe then sorry.
Dogs should never have their heads out of the window as blowing debris and bugs can injure an eye or sting them or hurt them.
I am surprised that the Dog Tip only mentioned the escape factor and being thrown factor for owners who allow their dogs to stick their heads out of a window.
No offense to those who allow their dog to stick their nose out the window, but never in a million years would I allow my dog to do that. I cherish her eyes, ears, and nose too much to risk harm. I am grateful that I have a sunroof in both of our SUVs that allow fresh air in without the risk of damage to my pup. I can also crack my windows and allow her to sniff but not risk injury.
It isn’t until you work for a vet that you realize how incredibly dangerous it is to allow your dog to get fresh air that it can get at home and while NOT in a moving vehicle.
I cannot begin to count how many cases we have had come into the clinic with eye and nose injuries due to rocks and debris being flipped up from the tires of your own car and those around you. We have had to remove several eyes, stitch up many noses and surrounding tissue, and have even had ear damage. Not only will your dog be injured, your checkbook will get hit as well. It isn’t cheap to remove an eye. It also isn’t cheap to repair inner cartilage damage to the nose when debris goes through the nostril.
Keep in mind how hard rocks hit your windshield and crack/shatter the glass…now think about that same rock flipping up and hitting your pup in the eye (maybe even both eyes). Maybe you will then stop and think about the safety of your dog. No dog is required to stick their head out the window to get that whiff of air. Take your dog out for a nice walk and allow him to really enjoy the air. Their sense of smell is much better at a low rate of speed walking than at a fast speed in a car.
For a better realization…sit in the back seat of your car with YOUR head out the window with someone else driving. Does it feel good? Like that wind whipping up your nose? Fear anything hitting you? Now think about that for your dog.
Looks like I’m not the only one who thinks it is a bad idea to let your dog ride in the car with his head out the window. What on earth were the Daily Dog Tip people thinking?
I would NEVER allow my dog to stick his head out of a window of a moving car. He could be seriously injured if he were struck in the face by a tree branch, traffic sign or other low-hanging object. He could also get debris in his eyes, which could cause serious problems. I know dogs love to feel the wind in their fur and smell the fresh air, but take him for a nice walk instead. Don’t risk having your best friend injured!
I WISH AND ILL TELL YOU WHY I BROUGHT MY LITTLE HAPPY DOG INTO YOUR CLINIC THINKING SHE WAS PREGNANANT TOOK XRAYS FOUND OUT SHE WASNT…THE DR WHO TREATED HER CONTINUED TO WANT TO RUN TEST AND SHE DID BRINGING BILL TO 400.00 LEAVING THIS CLINIC NOT EVEN OUT OF DRIVE WAY MY DOG PASSED AWAY STOP EMAILING ME MY DOG WAS MY ANGOR N THIS DR TOOK HER LIFE WITH A QUICK DIEBETIC SHOT!!!!!!!! I WOULDNT LET ANYONE TAKE MY DOG OR PET YO YOUR CLINIC ON 7TH AVE N UNIONHILLS IN PHX AZ MY DOGS NAME WAS DOTTIE SAD N STILL HURTING CAUSE OF YOUR DR NEGLIGENCE
I can’t disagree with this more. If you’ve ever had your hand out the window and been struck by a bug or pebble, you’ll keep your dog’s head in the car!
The advice about the limited rolled down window for a dog sticking his head out doesn’t go far enough. A loose dog without a harness is probably a dead dog in an accident and, further, if the dog is behind th owner, the dog is a projectile in an accident that can kill or seriously injure the owner.
Do you really think it’s a good idea for a dog to put his head out of the window any time? He could easily step on the power window button and have the window come up on his head. I don’t like my dog to run loose in the car. If there was an accident,he could be thrown through the front window. My dog always rides in his crate on the back seat of my car.He’s happy there and automatically jumps into the crate whenever I open the rear side car door.
Peter Irwin
Toronto,Canada
I have read, and don’t think it’s a good idea to let your dog have his/her head out the window at all. Debris can get in a dog’s eyes.