Summer is ending and days are getting cooler. This means it's time to take your dog for a ride! As the weather cooled, I saw more and more dogs in cars. They love to go with us! I became very concerned when I saw a small dog sitting in the driver's lap -- dog's head out the window and front paws on the car door! Then at a stop light, I saw another small dog bouncing back and forth between the driver and front seat passenger. It looked like the dog didn't want to stay in the passenger's lap! I was nervous for the dogs and the people.

I remember taking a trip with my family when I was five years old. The three kids and Border Collie were in the back seat of the black Ford. We didn't complain when the dog took the window seat - remember no air conditioning then! Seat belts didn't exist. That was then.  

Now we have seat belts and air bags. Did you know a small dog in the front seat can be killed when an air bag deploys due to an accident? Have you ever had a dog jump out of a car window? I did about 20 years ago and fortunately he was just fine. Have you had an accident or the vehicle rolled? A customer did and the dog jumped out the broken-out rear window because the car alarm and air bags deployment noises scared him. Fortunately the dog listened to our many animal communications and a few days later went back to the scene of the accident. Most of us are lucky that we are only in minor fender benders.    With my dog or loved ones, one serious vehicle accident is too many for me!

I know how easy it is to open the car door, and let Hobbes jump in when we run errands in the neighborhood. In the convertible, his short leash and harness are attached to the bungee cord tie down. He is secure if we have an accident and can still stick his nose out in the breezes (I'm not discussing "nose surfing" right now). On long trips in the SUV, he rides in his crate that is secured to the vehicle so it won't move. Still there are times he jumps into the SUV with his leash and harness and I don't hook him up to the tie downs. Why? I'm distracted and human.  

There are so many options for our dog's safety in the car. Please put all dogs in the back seat and away from the front air bags. I know there are rear air bags too. Some options include a secure a dog crate, a dog seat belt, a raised seat for small dogs with a harness, or a leash attached to seat belt or tie down.

Please email me any thoughts on this topic. I'll be sure to share it in a future blog story.

May you have any easy transition from summer to autumn and schedule changes. Recently I helped several dogs and their people with separation anxiety, aging mobility issues, and fear using Tellington TTouch® and Healing Touch for Animals®. Be sure to tell all your pets (dogs, cats, bunnies, etc.) when you will be home. They really understand!