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Pet safety should be a major concern for all pet owners. A little common sense can go a long way toward keeping your pet safe.
Tonight, on my way home from work, I saw something that made me wonder about the whole issue of pet safety and common sense.
Earlier this evening, I was passed in my car by another car. There were, from what I could tell as the car sped past, two people in the car. From the window on the passenger side of the car, there was a dog that was literally hanging out of the window. The dog’s head and upper body were outside of the car. I assume that the person seated in the passenger’s seat was holding onto the dog in some fashion.
Still, the car was traveling at around 45 MPH (an estimation on my part based on the fact that I was driving at 40 MPH and the car passed me.) The traffic was not terribly heavy but was at least moderate. If the dog had fallen from the car, he would never have stood a chance. He would have been horribly injured if not killed outright. I couldn’t help wondering what the owner of the dog, presumably the driver of the car, was thinking. Could he really believe this was a safe situation for his dog?
Pet Safety: Is Common Sense Dead?
This whole incident made me start thinking about some of the things that I’ve seen happen to pets that could have been avoided by using just a little bit of common sense. Obviously, at least in my opinion, common sense should dictate that you should not allow your dog to ride in your car hanging out of a window. It’s an invitation to disaster!
But I’ve seen more than a few other catastrophes that could have been avoided by using a bit of common sense as well. I’ve seen people allow their dogs to ride in the open bed of a moving pick-up truck. Worse, I’ve seen people chain their dog in the open bed of a moving pick-up truck. I’ve even seen people put their dogs and cats in the trunk of the car to transport them! Really! Common sense? Is it really dead? (Not to mention that these things, at least in my community are all illegal.)
Other car-related insanity involves locking your dog or cat in a closed car, particularly in the summer time. Really, folks. Even on a mild day, it doesn’t take long for the temperature in your car to reach dangerously high levels. Don’t ever leave your pet untended in your car, even if you think you’re only going to be gone for a few minutes. Delays happen. Don’t put your pet at risk.
And don’t leave your pet unattended in a running car either. Curious pets can move gear-shifts and knock the car out of park. Yes, I’ve seen it happen.
I could go on but I think you get the picture. Suffice it to say that a little bit of common sense can go a long ways toward keeping your pet safe.
If you have stories to tell about pet safety being compromised by a lack of common sense, please feel free to share them with us. Maybe we can get people to think about what they’re doing with their pets and save a pet or two!
Photo Courtesy of lewisha 1990/Flickr.com
About Lorie Huston, DVM
Lorie Huston is a veterinarian, pet health and pet care expert, professional writer, blogger, social media and blogging consultant, and SEO strategist.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Makes me freak out! I see that sometimes too, and I always dread what could happen.
Me too, Jana.
Oh, when I see that it stresses me out so much! I don’t understand why people think that’s a safe way to transport their pets.
I share that sentiment, Pup Fan. I don’t understand it either
One of the things I see people doing that really bugs me is leaving their little dogs unattended in their front and back yards. Last week a little yorkie slipped through the fence and followed me down the block after I stopped to say hi. I didnt even realize until I was crossing the street. Everyone thinks their dogs wont slip through the fences, but you just never know what motivates them, and as long as they fit through they are in danger.
Yes, that’s quite dangerous, I agree, Alexia. And it’s not only little dogs either. Big dogs can jump or climb the fence or dig underneath. It’s always a good idea to supervise your dogs when they’re outside.