5 Reasons Why Your Dog Shouldn't Travel in the Back of Your Pick-Up

Posted by Clare Bristow

dogs-in-a-pick-up There's something about driving a convertible car on a hot summer's day - with the roof down, wind in your hair and favorite music on the radio, it just puts you in a good mood … so do we put dogs in the back of pick-up trucks thinking they'll have a similar experience?

I see dogs traveling in the back of pick-ups throughout the summer here in New Zealand, it looks cool, but in terms of dog safety, it couldn't be more dangerous for your dog.

Here's 5 reasons to keep your dog out of the back of your pick-up:

Sitting in the back of the truck, exposed to the sun, your dog can easily overheat and suffer heat stroke;
You may think the summer breeze is cooling but the debris carried in the wind - such as dirt, plant seeds and insects - may get lodged in your dog's eyes, nose and throat, thereby necessitating a trip to your vet to have them removed. Small stones can also get thrown up into the truck from passing vehicles, injuring your dog;
Many pick-ups have a metal floor, the sun will heat this up in no time and, if it gets hot enough, blister your dog's paws;
If your dog is not restrained, any sudden breaking or swerving, or even going over a bump in the road, can throw your dog off balance and out of the truck.
However, if you leash him and leave too much slack in the lead, a similar incident could either hang your dog as he's thrown off the truck or leave him dragging along the side of the truck causing him serious injury.
If you have to transport your dog in the back of your truck, tie the lead to a length that stops him from reaching the sides or tailgate of your truck; and
If your pick-up has a cover - fabric, metal or plastic - do not put your dog under it thinking it will protect him. It will be like leaving your dog in a parked car - the temperature will become unbearable and probably kill him.

If you have to travel with your dog in a pick-up, and you can't put him in the cab, invest in a covered dog crate and securely fasten it in the back of your truck. It might not look so cool, but it will keep your dog safe.