Is it Safe for My Dog to Have His or Her Head Hanging Out the Car Window While Driving?

There are very few (and I'd like to think there were none) owners who would knowingly put their pooch in harm's way. Unfortunately, many owners are unaware of the dangers associated with allowing their dog to hang his head out of the window while driving. There are many reasons why this should not occur but at the same time, there are several steps that you can take to prevent your pet from harm.

Dangers of a Dog Hanging His Head Out of the Car Window

One of the most obvious dangers is simply that if a dog can stick his head out of a window, what is to stop him from jumping or falling out of the car window? Even if the vehicle is not moving, jumping or falling out of a car window can cause serious injury such as broken bones; among lesser injuries such as cuts and scrapes. Furthermore, if the dog happens to jump or fall out of the window while the vehicle is moving, he could break several bones or worse, he could die.

Aside from the obvious, many owners are unaware that their dog's eyes and ears are being subjected to flying debris. This debris, both small tiny particles and large objects such as leaves, can fly into the eyes and ears, resulting in damage that can occur immediately or gradually over time. Damages to the eyes and ears can include infections or in worse cases, hearing loss, vision impairment, total loss of hearing or blindness.

Unfortunately, the danger does not end there. What if you were to swerve out of the way to avoid hitting another vehicle, pedestrian or some other unexpected road block? Or perhaps you get into an accident with another vehicle? In either case, your dog could fall out of the window and become seriously injured or even die.

What Can I Do To Prevent An Accident With My Dog In The Car?

Many websites recommend properly restraining a dog within a cage, a traveling harness or a crate. This keeps the dog safe from harm, such as hanging his head out of the window, falling or jumping out of the window.

However, as a dog owner myself, I am often torn when it comes to properly restraining my dog in the car. On one hand, I am aware of the dangers of allowing her free range in my vehicle. Unfortunately on the other hand, I often think to myself, "Will a stranger who pulls me from a car accident, do the same courtesy for my dog? If not, will she be able to escape on her own or will she suffer and perish because I was trying to protect her by putting her into a restraint?" In any case, the choices is yours to make.

Aside from restraints, you can purchase dog goggles. Dog goggles protect your dog's eyes from flying debris while the window is down; though they do not protect your dog's ears. In my personal experience, my dog did not like the goggles the first few times she wore them. However, upon wearing them in the vehicle while driving, she did end up enjoying them.

In short, always keep your dog safe to the best of your ability. One owner's idea of safety may vary from another, so it is up to you to decide for your pooch.

Additional Information:

Pet Education: It is Unsafe for a Pet to Ride With his Head out of the Car Window

How Stuff Works: Should I Let My Dog Stick Its Head Out The Window?

Top 5 Reasons Why A Dog Sticks His Head Out The Car Window