Hot Under the Collar

We know taking car rides with your dog is an extremely pleasant experience.  You love your dog's company and the dog REALLY loves being out and about with the ability to take in so many smells and sounds.   However, there are a few precations that you should take when your canine friend is riding along with you.

First, never, ever, ever let the dog ride in your lap as you are driving.  If you don't do this and wonder how anyone could drive with a dog in your lap, well it does happen and we've seen it.  If you do do this while driving, stop immediately!!  This is dangerous for you and your pet!  What if the pet hits the steering wheel and you wreck?  What if the pet distracts you and you wreck?  What if the pets leg gets caught and twisted in the steering wheel when you turn?  None of those are desirable options, so please keep your canine in the back seat.  The back seat will still allow him to sniff, see, and hear everything around him and your dog will be quite content to have 'their own space' in the car during the trip.

Secondly, if you stop to run errands while your dog is with you and the temperature is 75 degrees or above outside, please do not leave your dog in the car for more than 3-5 minutes at a time (not 35, but only three to five!!).  Dogs have a body temperature that is higher than humans and with the permanent fur coats that we carry around (yes, thinning hair/bald guys are jealous of us), it gets hot FAST when dogs are stuck in a hot car.  Even with the windows cracked, the temperature to a dog is extremely uncomfortable as well as unhealthy/unsafe.  If you truly care about your dog, you will take this advice to heart!
Lastly, do not let your dog stick his head out of the window when the car is traveling at high speeds.  Most vets will tell you to never let your dog stick his head out the window (because of eye safety issues with the wind affecting the eyes and/or flying bugs/objects getting into their eyes).  However, our owner lets us put our heads out the window if we're just puttering around the city or neighborhood as we're really only averaging a speed of 10-15 mph (with all of the stopping), so they think that is ok.  But if you are unsure, err on the side of caution and crack those windows only enough so the dog can stick his nose out.

We hope these car tips are suggestions that you really take to heart.  Not just for the dog's safety, but for your safety as well.  Now if you'll please excuse us, we're about to pile into the the car for a nice long car ride north.  We can wait to see what smells, sights, and sounds are in store for us on the way!!!