With our recent “hurriquake” in Southern California and the devastating fires in Maui, we have been reminded of the importance of having an emergency plan for both ourselves and our pets.
But, even with emergency plans in place, some disasters — like Maui — happen so quickly without warning that tragic loss of life occurs. At Pasadena Humane, we mourn the humans and pets who perished in the fire, and we grieve for the people who survived but whose beloved pets, sadly, did not.
It seems that more and more crises are occurring that are beyond our control. So, I’m finding solace in writing about something that is more within our control: everyday safety for ourselves and our pets.
Studies have shown that a large percentage of pet owners drive with their dogs in the car, but surprisingly only a small percentage use restraints to safely secure their dogs.
Not only is this dangerous for your dog, it can also have potentially deadly and harmful consequences for you.
Road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death in the United States for people ages 1-54. Loose dogs in the car can cause a variety of distractions leading to an increased likelihood of getting into an accident.
Some of the most common distractions include petting your dog, using your arms to restrict your dog’s movement while braking, or blocking your dog from climbing from the back to the front seat.
While it’s natural to want to comfort and protect your pup, it’s also incredibly unsafe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds at 55 mph is equivalent to traveling the entire length of a football field without looking!
So, buckle up as I share some tips to keep you and your pup safe in the car.
Backseat driver: The safest place for your pooch is in the backseat. This keeps them out of accident “crumple zones” and in an area less likely to cause distractions. For their safety, your dog should never…
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