Do's and Don'ts to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car

Dogs and car rides just seem to go together. Most dogs love to jump in the car with their owners to go an adventure (as long as the destination isn't the veterinarian's office). But it's important to be safe when taking your special canine with you in a vehicle. For both of your sakes, it's important to know what to do, as well as what not to do.

• DON'T let your dog sit on your lap while you're driving. The dog can obstruct your vision, making it harder for you to steer or brake. If he demands attention, it's hard to keep your focus on driving.
  
  
• DON'T allow the dog to roam the car. This can be very distracting and owners should have their full attention on driving, rather than seeing what their furry friend is getting into in the back seat.
  
  
• DON'T let the dog ride with his head out the window. This can result in injury to his eyes or face from airborne debris.
  
  
• DO place the dog in a crate and secure the crate in the car. Make sure the crate isn't too big because the dog could get injured when thrown around in the crate in the event of an accident. Or try the following tips.
  
  
• DO use a harness and seat belt system to keep your dog secure.

It's also important to remember to leave your dog at home instead of leaving him in the car while you attend to your responsibilities. Even on a cool day, a car can warm up like a greenhouse, making it a dangerous place for your dog.

For many people, their dog is a part of their family, so they bring him wherever they go. That's wonderful, but if you take the time to buckle up your children and other family members, make sure you are doing the same for your dog. By not restraining him in the car, you put him and others at risk.

Protect your family and furry friends on the road. Call All About Insurance at (817) 589-0006 for more information on Dallas auto insurance.