It Shouldn't Happen to a Dog!

Dogs riding in the back of pickup trucks may look like they are having fun. With the nose testing the wind and ears flopping, the dogs seem to enjoy the trip. And after all, they get to go with their owners. But when you transport your dog in the back of your pickup, you endanger both your dog and other motorists.

Whether the dog enjoys the ride or not, she is in great danger riding in an open truck bed. If you hit a bump, swerve to avoid an obstacle, or brake suddenly, the dog could easily be thrown onto the road. If the fall does not injure or kill the dog, it is likely another car will. And in an attempt to avoid hitting the fallen dog, another driver may cause ensuing accidents. Carrying dogs in pickups poses a threat to both the animals and other motorists.

Simply tying a dog in the truck bed is not enough. Leashes and ropes become nooses if the dog should be jolted out of the truck. And the wind whipping through the dog's ears is full of dirt, debris and gravel that can lodge in the eyes, nose or ears and cause serious damage.

Take your dog along for the ride. But, let her ride secured in the front with you. She will enjoy the trip a lot more if she does not have to fight for her life against gravity, momentum and traffic to get there.