Dog Tips, Car Trips and Car Safety

Have you ever seen this look of terror in your dogs eyes?

Let's hope not! You may not think about it, but in an emergency stop, your dog can become a flying object. If your dog rides in the front seat, it may be cute but it is not smart. There are two things that can cause severe injuries.

First, there is the airbag. Any small person or, in this case, your dog can suffer injuries when the airbag deploys. The standards for small children also apply to your pet. There are some great sources for safety devices for your pet.

Second, your dog can be seriously injured in a collision or sudden stop if thrown into the windshield. Here are some numbers you need to consider. 60% of all pets that are involved in accidents while riding in a car suffer from permanent injuries. That can get expensive considering that car insurance does not cover the cost of treating or caring for a pet.

If you love your dog or pet as much as I love and value mine, take precautions to protect them when they are riding with you. Never - and I repeat - never transport your dog or other animals in the back of a pickup truck unless they are secured from falling out or being thrown out in an emergency situation. Personally, I think it is a good idea to obtain pet insurance. Most pet policies can cover these types of injuries.

On a lighter note, I attended the open house at the Austin Dog Alliance this weekend. Debi Krakar and her staff have had an awesome year. The folks at ADA offer several great services for dog owners. Looking to adopt or rescue a dog? They have the skills and resources to help. Visit their site and check out the calendar of events.

Have you purchased pet insurance or had a pet that might have been injured in an auto accident? I hear miracle stories all the time and I would like to share yours with my readers. Leave a comment below or email me with your story.

Let's hope for more sunshine and dog park weather! Stay safe and have a wonderful day.