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Safe Driving With Fido

Is there anything better than watching a dog while they go for "a ride" in the car? Head out the window, ears flapping in the breeze, tongue hanging out; it almost seems like dogs love the open road as much as humans do. However, as much fun as it is to offer this temporary release from the house to your dog, it is also important to keep them safe and keep you from being distracted while driving.

According to a recent AAA study, driving with a pet can be just as distracting as if you are texting while driving. This could come into play if you turn around briefly in your seat to make sure they are okay, or if you are trying to push them back into the backseat if they are not restrained. The two seconds that it takes for you to do that, could land you in an accident.

Over 80 percent of Americans state that they take their dogs for rides regularly in the car and it is Less Than a quarter of this number who actually state that their dog is restrained while riding. Furthermore, many pet owners admit that they cannot help playing with their dog while driving and some even state they have been able to drive while feeding them or offering them water! This is incredibly dangerous behavior and puts both you and your dog at risk!

While there may be no law that states you cannot do this while driving, you have to use your own common sense. Many of us treat our dogs as if they were our children, therefore, would you perpetuate this behavior with a child while in the car? We are guessing the answer is no.

Here are some helpful tips to follow to keep your dog safe and keep you out of an accident while driving:

* Invest in a harness that is designed for use in a car. Remember, a dog doesn't have the ability to brace themselves or respond instinctively to a situation where you have to slam on the brakes. Additionally, keeping them restrained will also prevent against them crawling under seats, licking you from behind the seat, or climbing into the front area of the car.

* Do not let your dog hang its head out of the window while you are driving. While this looks like a lot of fun for them and seems harmless, a sudden turn or stop could propel them from the car. Furthermore, it is distracting to other drivers and could cause an accident.

* Do not attach any type of restraint to your pet's collar while in the car. A good harness should hold them around their body or chest. Attaching something to their collar could choke them.

Finally, make sure when you are driving with your pet that you are only going on short errands, never leave them alone for long periods of time in the car, whether in the summer or the winter. Remember, they are just as sensitive to temperature as humans are and can get cold or hot just as easily.

Follow these rules and you will not only keep your pet safe, but you will feel better about taking them out for a spin!

About the Author

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DJ P~Hades / Complex Tri-Angle [Heartsdales Soul'd Out BoA Alexis y Fido Toby Love High-King]