Dogs in the Back of a Pickup

Summer means more outdoor activities and many people like to take their dogs with them. But the back of a pickup is not the place for dogs.

Dogs love to go! They love the ride and they just love to be with their people. Lately I've been seeing more dogs riding in the back of pickups. I suppose people just don't stop and think how dangerous that can be. Even if the dog can be trusted to stay put, he can be thrown out if the driver has to slam on the brakes for an emergency stop, or swerve to avoid another vehicle. Impact with the road has the potential to maim or kill a dog but add the chance of being struck by a car or causing other drivers to slam on their brakes and/or swerve and the situation becomes even more dangerous. Dogs should ride secured inside the cab or in a well secured crate in the back, if weather permits. I've also seen pickups parked in hot, unshaded parking lots with dogs panting in the back. These dogs are at serious risk of heatstroke. Some people seem to think that because they're animals they will be fine but dogs are actually at higher risk of heatstroke than people are. It's fun to take your dog whenever you go somewhere but please make sure he is safe.