We all see the joy that dogs get in sticking their head out the window of a moving car so it’s a natural question as to whether it’s a good idea or not.
The short answer is NO!
Allowing your dog to stick his head out the window is a very dangerous habit. Their eyes are exposed to dirt, rocks, dust and other debris. These materials can easily puncture and scratch your dog’s eyes.
Damage to the ears is another big concern. When a dog’s ears flap in the wind, his soft earflaps (pinnae) can easily become irritated, swollen and very tender. The constant and rapid flapping of the pinnae against your dog’s head from high-speed winds causes trauma to the ear and results in swelling. Repeated trauma such as this can cause lifelong problems for your pup.
This habit can also lead to more severe outcomes, such as falling out of the car or getting his head stuck in the window opening. Taking a turn a bit too fast, traveling over bumpy terrain, a car accident or even over excitement can cause your dog to lose his balance and easily fall out of the window. These types of incidents occur more frequently than one might imagine and can cause severe injury or death to dogs.
The best place for your dog to ride is in the back seat or cargo area of your vehicle, properly secured of course. Utilising a pet safety belt, car seat, vehicle pet barrier, or a travel crate are the best ways to ensure that your pup’s travels are happy and safe.
Sure, crack the window, but NO HEADS OUT