Pickup trucks are a popular vehicle in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, many models are not equipped with a backseat. Even with four-door models, dogs are often put in the truck bed to protect the vehicle from shedding and dog dirt which can easily be solved by using dog backseat covers that are easy to wash and dry.
Putting your dog in a truck
bed, even for a short ride, is a HORRIBLE idea. In fact, American Humane reports
more than 100,000 dogs die each year from truck bed accidents.
The only way to protect your dog from these hazards is to keep him
inside the vehicle at all times, no matter what. There are many ways to manage
the inconveniences that make dog owners avoid driving with their dogs inside
the vehicle.
Some of the hazards are:
Dogs are not protected while on a truck bed. They are not secured by a doggy seat belt nor protected from other vehicles, flying debris, or short stops. There are a variety of dog seat belts that can come in handy for safety and comfort of your dog
Even well-trained dogs are still naturally curious and have been known to jump out of truck beds to investigate whatever has piqued their interest. Also, naturally calm, well-adjusted dogs can still get spooked and jump out causing catastrophic results.
Even inside the vehicle, the desire to keep the window open for fresh air does not necessitate you to leaving the window completely down, smaller dogs can jump out. Use a ventilator safety grill to secure the dog and to as well have the much-needed fresh air.
There are
reports of dogs being fatally injured from jumping out of truck beds or open
windows – and humans in other cars trying to avoid them with devastating
consequences themselves.
Another reason winds. Even driving at average speeds can put
pressure on your dog’s lungs as he inhales. The risk, of course, increases as
your speed increases.
In
addition to breathing issues, high winds can cause flying debris that can hit
your dog in the face. Even small particles can cause serious injuries, like
small pebbles hitting your dog in the eyes or your dog inhaling bugs up his
nose.
Weather is another factor. Even on a pleasant 70-degree day, the sun can
heat the metal of the truck bed up. There have been reports of dogs with second
and third-degree burns on their paw pads from truck beds AND even heat stroke.
The heated metal surrounds man’s best friend. Since he cannot sweat like we do
or may not have access to water, he cannot cool down.
While there are dogs cooling vests that are useful in extreme heat, the dangers of putting your dog at the back of your truck are more than just the heat.
Putting a dog on a leash in the truck bed is also a VERY BAD idea.
Dogs have been reported to have strangled themselves with frequent movement,
short stops, and accidents– resulting in death.
Another risk is if you do get into an accident, your dog may get spooked
and take off, resulting in a missing or lost pet OR EVEN Fido being hit by
another vehicle.
You may see articles suggesting you put your dog in a cage and secure it
to the truck bed if necessary BUT this is a false sense of security. Accidents,
especially ones causing the truck to roll over, give Fido NO CHANCE to get out
before serious injury is sustained.
It’s also likely your dog is NOT happy in the back of a pickup. It’s a
scary place to be! With wind gusts, loud highway noises and no security, dogs
grow increasingly anxious.
The only way to protect your dog from these hazards is to keep him
inside the vehicle at all times, no matter what as there is no compelling
reason to keep your dog in the back of a pick-up.
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