True, driving with our pups in our lap is a hazard at best.
Last year I recall reading about some celebs in Hollywood being fined heavily for allowing their pups ride in their laps while driving. So be it.
Another one is larger dogs, unrestrained in the back of pick up trucks.
Now, the reason being is for the safety of others and the dog(s).
If there were a MVA, the dog gets loose and say it was a guard dog or even an aggressive type. This pose pose a serious hazard to the EMS, who are there to help out the victims.
Not only that, it has been proven that wind in the dogs ears is not good practice and can lead to problems for the dog with it's ears.
Well, rest assured, Roxy has a little bumper seat that is strapped onto the passenger seat of my two door sports car. There is a little snap that can be attached to er harness. This way, should we ever get into an accident, this will help stop her from flying into the windshield or toppling onto the floor of the car.
I was fortunate to get mine from a friends whose dog grew out of it.
Anyone can get them online at places like eBay.
Best investment yet.
Failing that, I have seen the harnesses with an extra loop in the back that can go through a seat belt. This is also a very good idea.
The main reason that I opted for the bumber seat, otherwise known as a canine dog seat, is so that Roxy could see out the window. She is small so otherwise, she couldn't see out of any of the windows which made her car rides quickly boring.
Roxy is so cute in her car seat. She jumps in it and lays down with her little arm over the edge. All ready for the next big adventure. She loves it.
There are times and I admitt, that if we are driving on a country road that is more often quiet than not and we are just Sunday Driving, I do let Roxy ride on my lap. Especially if she was walking outside prior and got cold. She loves to snuggle up with her Mom. I know better than to let Roxy ride in my lap when we are in town, on a busy road or the highway.
Another hazard is not only allowing the pup to ride in your lap but as a passenger, allowing the dog to ride in your lap then too because if there were an MVA, say a hit from behind, that could be an unfortunate circumstance where the dog could get hurt as well.
Securing the dog while inside the vehicle is the safest option for the dog. Even if you have to use a crate. |