Quck answer
It’s not recommended to let your dog stick its head out of the car window while driving. Even though dogs love the wind in their face, it’s dangerous for them. Dogs can get hit by flying debris, get their eyes injured, or even fall out of the car. Additionally, the wind can cause damage to their ears, nose, and lungs. If you want to make your dog happy while driving, crack the window slightly and secure them with a dog harness or crate to keep them safe.
Pets
Dogs may love sticking their heads out of car windows, but is it really safe for them? Let’s find out.
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A dog’s life is pretty sweet. They don’t have to go to work, they get to sleep on the couch, and they have the joy of chasing after balls. But perhaps the greatest joy of all for a dog is going for a car ride. The wind blowing through their fur and the sights and smells of the outside world make for an exhilarating experience. But is it really safe to let your dog hang its head out the window?
While it may seem harmless, allowing your dog to stick its head out of the window can actually be harmful and dangerous. Here’s why:
Pet Head out the Window: A Harmful Habit
Just like you wouldn’t let an underage child drive a car, you shouldn’t let your dog ride unsecured.
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Before windshields became standard on cars, drivers wore goggles to protect their eyes from debris. Nowadays, windshields keep everyone inside the car safe from road hazards. However, with your dog’s head out the window, its eyes are exposed to dust, dirt, rocks, and other debris that can cause scratches or punctures.
In addition to the risk of eye injuries, allowing your dog to stick its head out of the window is also dangerous for the rest of its body. Dogs can easily be hit by passing objects or even other vehicles. They may also be tempted to jump out of the car, which can result in serious injury or death.
While it may be tempting to let your dog enjoy the breeze, it’s important to keep them safe by keeping their heads and bodies inside the car. Consider using a dog harness or crate to secure your pet while driving, and make sure to provide plenty of fresh air and water during long car rides.
If you have trained your dog to wear goggles and not to paw them off, it is still not safe for your dog to hang its head out of the car window. The pinnae, or ear flaps, can become swollen and tender from flapping in the wind, leading to traumatic injury and painful swelling as blood pools in the ear flaps. Repeated trauma can lead to scarring of the soft tissue in the ears, causing lifelong problems for your dog. The worst-case scenario is your dog falling out of the car at high speeds, resulting in broken bones and internal injuries. Even dogs with small heads can slide through tight spaces, so a head sticking out of the window can lead to falling if you encounter bumpy terrain or jarring road obstructions. Riding in the bed of a pickup truck is an even worse idea, as there is little or no protection from wind, debris, or falls, and the hot metal bed can damage a dog’s paws. The safest way for your dog to travel is secured in the cabin of the vehicle, either in a crate or a special car seat that restrains it like a child.
FAQ
1. Is it safe for my dog to stick its head out of the car window?
While it may seem like a fun and enjoyable experience for your furry friend, it is not safe for your dog to stick its head out of the car window. The wind and debris can cause eye injuries, ear infections, and even respiratory problems. In addition, if your dog sees something of interest and jumps out of the window, it can result in a serious accident.
2. Can I train my dog to stick its head out of the window safely?
No, it is not possible to train your dog to stick its head out of the window safely. It is simply too dangerous and can result in serious injuries or accidents. It’s better to keep your dog safely secured inside the car during your travels.
3. What are some alternatives to letting my dog stick its head out of the window?
If your dog enjoys feeling the wind in its face, you can try opening a window slightly or turning on the air conditioning. You can also take frequent breaks during your travels and let your dog stretch its legs and enjoy the fresh air outside.
4. Are there any breeds that are more prone to injury from sticking their heads out of the window?
Yes, breeds with long ears such as Spaniels, Beagles, and Basset Hounds are more prone to ear infections and injuries from sticking their heads out of the window. Dogs with protruding eyes such as Pekingese and Pugs are at a higher risk for eye injuries.
5. Can my dog wear goggles to protect its eyes while sticking its head out of the window?
While there are dog goggles available on the market, they are not a foolproof solution. Goggles can still shift or come off during travel, and they do not protect against debris or other hazards. It’s best to keep your dog’s head safely inside the car.
6. What should I do if my dog insists on sticking its head out of the window?
If your dog insists on sticking its head out of the window, it’s important to keep the window only slightly open and never allow your dog to fully stick its head out. It’s also important to keep a close eye on your dog and secure them with a safety harness or crate.
7. Can I be fined for letting my dog stick its head out of the window?
While there are no specific laws against letting your dog stick its head out of the window, you can still be fined for driving with an unsafe load or for not properly restraining your dog. It’s best to keep your dog safely secured inside the car.
8. What are some other safety tips for traveling with my dog?
Some other safety tips for traveling with your dog include securing them with a safety harness or crate, taking frequent breaks for exercise and potty breaks, and never leaving your dog alone in the car. It’s also important to make sure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and has proper identification in case they become lost during travel.
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