Transportation of dogs in the car: how to drive safely with open windows

It seems that dogs and open car windows are just made for each other. But why does the dog lean out of the window of a moving car? And should she be allowed to do so? Everything every pet owner needs to know is in this article.

Why does a dog lean out of a car window?

Scents

The main reason dogs love to lean out of car windows is because of their sense of smell. Mental Floss notes that a large dog has over 225 million olfactory receptors, compared to the 5 million receptors in a human nose. The sense of smell is the main tool by which dogs perceive the world around them. The air outside the window of a speeding car is full of smells, which are amplified by movement and tell the dog where he is and where he is going.

sensory stimulation

According to The Dodo, pets probably love the combination of all the smells, sights, sounds and feelings that fill the world around them. If a dog leans out of the window, it, like a person, seeks a sensory experience, experiences a whirlwind of sensations: the wind and the sun playing on the fur, the sounds of cars passing by filling the air, other people and pets in their cars – there is something here. see, listen, smell!

Why can’t dogs stick their head out the car window?

As much as your pet loves new experiences, it’s against the rules for transporting dogs in a car. Pet Health Network reports the possibility of serious and even fatal injury if a small object such as a stone or even an insect hits a dog in the head at high speed. And if something gets into her eye, it can lead to corneal damage and permanent blindness. Foreign objects can also get in your dog’s nose or ears and cause breathing or hearing problems. What’s more, Trips With Pets adds that if a dog’s ears flutter in the wind and flap against their head, they can swell up, and over time, this can lead to long-term health problems.

That being said, it’s not safe to let your dog lean out of your car window, even if you’re just driving slowly through the neighborhood. The dog may fall out or jump out. It is necessary to fasten the dogs in the car – so they are much less likely to get injured when they get into an accident or sudden braking.

How to keep your dog safe in the car

The safest transportation of dogs on the car seat is in a special cage-transportation, fixed on the back seat. You can pick up a special car hammock for dogs in the car. If this is not possible, put the dog in a car seat or harness it to transport the dog in the car. If you are driving an SUV or minivan, use a pet barrier to protect the dog behind you. Never let your dog ride in the back of a pickup truck where he is not protected at all.

Harnessing your dog during the trip will be the safest option for everyone. So she will not get injured from hitting flying objects and will be less distracting while driving. In addition, the dog will still be able to enjoy the trip, because if the car window is ajar, an equally abundance of smells awaits him.

Strap your pet in while traveling so he can enjoy the sights, smells and sounds for years to come. Let the journey with the dog in the car be pleasant and safe!