3 minute read
Windows Open or Closed?
ON THE ROAD
Do you drive with the windows open or closed? Does your dog like to stick his/her head out the window and sniff the wind?
As with everything, there's risk involved. The main danger is road debris. Pebbles, leaves, small insects, etc., can fly into and get stuck in your dog's eyes, ears, or nose, causing severe inflammation and/or other injuries.
Dogs can also get windburn on their ears, and with enough wind flow, the ears can flap so forcefully that it ruptures a blood vessel!
Wait, is that even safe?
Sounds painful, doesn't it? Worse though, if your dog isn't buckled up, an open window is an invitation to jump out when something interesting (or scary) comes into view. It's dangerous, opening up the potential for causing an accident or getting hit by a car, or both. However, if your dog is Riding Certified, you don't have to worry about your pup darting out! It's really about the tiny foreign objects flying into your dog's face and the force of the wind.
Another thing to consider is your dog's window preference. Some dogs actually don't like the windows open. Watch your dog's behavior. Does your dog prefer the window open all the way, partially open, or closed?
If your dog doesn't like the windows open, then this isn't a problem for you. One less thing to worry about! But if your dog does like the window open, and you want to give your dog that luxury, do it mindfully.
If you're on a busy road - lots of fast cars, in the heart of a major city, passing through a construction site, or something along those lines, roll the windows up all the way. Dirt, concrete, dust, broken glass, and even spit (yes, it does happen, ew!) are all potential dangers.
If you're in a rural area or on the highway, away from the heavily populated areas and your dog is Riding Certified, then sure, go ahead and roll the window down a bit and let your dog enjoy sniffing the wind. There's still the risk of little insects and dirt flying by so don't roll the window down all the way. Just enough to let a little air flow through and give your dog a good whiff of what's around.
If your buckled up pup is just begging you to roll the window down all the way, wait until you're driving very slowly on a calm road, to prevent excessive ear flapping.
Buckling up your pup reduces the risks that an open car window can bring.
When you buckle up your pup in a certified seatbelt, you eliminate the risk of your dog jumping out the window.
If your dog buckles up in a certified harness, he/she is able to sit up, lay down, turn left, and turn right, but not walk to the other side of the car. So open up the window opposite from where your dog is sitting to further reduce road debris risk.
If you buckle up your pup in a certified carrier or kennel, your dog is enclosed, which greatly reduces any risk of road debris flying into your dog's face.
Life is short. You decide which risks to take.
Experts will tell you to never open the car window because of the risk of injuries and car escape tactics.
At Dogs Ride Certified, it's about reducing risks and maintaining balance. Because time with your pup is limited. It's important to be safe, but also to enjoy life.
Buckle up your pup in a certified seatbelt, so that opening up the car window a safer (not risk-free) experience for your pup. It's not only the destination that matters, but the time on the road should be a joyful journey as well.
Is your pup Riding Certified?
If not, keep the windows closed until your pup does get buckled up in a certified seatbelt. Too much is at risk. But if your dog is already traveling safely in the car, go enjoy that (partially) open window and breeze flowing through!
