You see memes and commercials with dogs sitting in their owners' laps or next to them in the car. They're chummy-looking images. After all, your dog is your best friend — they might as well be your co-pilot.
Unfortunately, the reality is that allowing dogs to roam freely in the car can present many dangers. Pet owners should make some accommodation so they don't have the chance to get into the front seat. Below are some dangers associated with allowing dogs to access the front seat while you're driving.
Distracted Driving
When you're at home with your dog, you might not realize how much time you spend talking to and petting them. But then, companionship is why you got them. Pet owners often get into the habit of paying attention to their dogs, and that doesn't end when they're driving with the dog next to them or on their lap.
Volvo conducted a pet travel safety report that included a survey and observational study. The study showed that drivers displayed 649 unsafe driving behaviors with a free-roaming pets compared to 274 with a restrained pet. When the dog is in the front, drivers are more likely to take their eyes off the road to pet, play with, or give a treat to their dog.
Increased Risk for Injury
Dogs need safety restraints just like human beings do. Naturally, you can't buckle them in with a seat belt like you do with yourself. Therefore, both you and your dog are at an increased risk of injury when the dog is free roaming.
Unfortunately, accidents happen, and front-end collisions are one of the most common. The force of even a low-speed collision can propel dogs into the front part of the car. The amount of pressure their bodies put forth is exponential. They're more likely to cause a serious injury and get seriously injured themselves.
Increased Stress
As much as dogs love being near their humans, they actually get more stressed out when they're allowed to roam freely. The same study showed that their heart rates increase by seven beats per minute, which is a sure indicator of stress. They likely don't understand what's going on, and they feel insecure with no restrictions placed on them in the car.
Their human parents don't feel any better. Their heart rates increase, too. As a pet owner — or parent — you want your dog to be safe and secure, and that simply can't happen if they're roaming freely.
Keep your dogs secure while you're driving with a wicker basket travel pet carrier.
Share24 April 2020
When you first bring home a pet, what you don't always realize is how many items you need to properly care for that pet. Even for a cat, you need a litter box, food bowls, a water dish, a climbing tree, and a couple of toys. Dogs also need leashes, collars, and kennels. A pet store is the perfect place to go shopping and obtain all of these things your pet needs for a happy, healthy life. We are pet lovers ourselves, which is why we created this website to share articles about pet stores and pet supplies. Sit down with your furry friend, and give them a read.