August is National Dog Month - Dog Safety in the Car
August Is National Dog Month – Dog Safety in the Car
Hello, human. I'm your dog. You may know me as Buddy, Bella, Max, Luna, or Ryder. I actually have a much cooler name in dog world, but that is a story for a different day.
First of all, Happy National Dog Month! I assume you've already bought me a present. If not, I'll accept bacon.
Now let's talk about one of my favorite things in the entire universe...
Car rides!
The moment you pick up your keys, I come running like you just announced free steak for everyone. I don't know where we're going, but I'm 100% convinced it's somewhere amazing.
Maybe it's the dog park. Maybe it's the beach. Maybe it's Grandma's house, where somebody always "accidentally" drops food on the floor.
Or maybe we're just driving to the veterinarian. ...Let's not dwell on that possibility.
You've probably seen that famous picture of a happy dog riding down the road with its head out the window. Ears flying. Tongue hanging out. Drool launching into the breeze like a sprinkler system. Trust me—it feels incredible.
The smells! Every second is a brand-new adventure. I can detect hamburgers, squirrels, another dog, freshly cut grass, someone's barbecue, and that suspicious-looking raccoon that walked through the neighborhood three hours ago.
But here's an important confession: Just because I enjoy something doesn't automatically make it a brilliant idea. I also enjoy eating socks.
Buckle Me Up!
You wear a seat belt. I should too.
If I'm bouncing around the car while you're driving, I can distract you at exactly the wrong moment. Maybe another dog walks by. Maybe I spot a squirrel with a suspicious attitude. Maybe I simply decide that your lap is the best place to sit while you're trying to merge onto the interstate.
You're welcome.
A crash-tested pet harness attached to the seat belt or a secured travel crate helps protect both of us. If you have to brake suddenly—or if another driver makes a poor decision—I won't go flying through the vehicle. Being called a "furry projectile" isn't nearly as cute as it sounds.
The Front Seat Looks Great...
...but it really isn't. I know I look adorable sitting in the passenger seat like your personal road-trip buddy. I also look adorable wearing a birthday hat. That doesn't mean I should do it while airbags are involved.
Airbags are designed for adult humans. If one deploys while I'm sitting in front, it could seriously injure me. The back seat may not have the best view, but it is usually the safest place for me to ride.
Besides, I can still supervise your driving from there.
About That Window...
Oh, I absolutely want you to roll it down. Just... not all the way.
Tiny rocks, insects, road debris, and tree branches don't care how cute I am. They can injure my eyes or face if I'm hanging too far outside the vehicle.
Please crack the window enough so I can enjoy the fresh air without attempting to become the world's first canine hood ornament.
Don't worry. My nose is about 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than yours. I can still smell that hamburger from three blocks away.
Please Don't Leave Me in a Parked Car
"I'll only be gone for a minute." Humans say this all the time. Even when the weather feels pleasant outside, the inside of a parked vehicle can become dangerously hot very quickly. Dogs can't cool ourselves as effectively as humans because we don't sweat the way you do.
If you can't take me inside with you, it's usually much safer to leave me comfortably at home. I'll survive.
I may act dramatically about it...
...but I'll survive.
Pack My Travel Bag
Road trips are much more enjoyable when you remember a few essentials, so I made a list for you! Please bring fresh water, my leash, waste bags, my favorite blankie or toy, and treats, lots and lots of treats, and bacon, ohhh bacon.
Now, if you'll excuse me... I think I heard someone opening a bag of chips.
At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers. Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!