Road trips with your furry friends can be a blast, but responsible pet ownership calls for caution when loading up and hitting the road. This is especially true if you drive a pickup truck. While the image of a dog with the wind in its fur seems like a rite of passage, the dangers far outweigh the momentary thrill.

The Dangers of Riding in a Pickup Truck Bed

An unsecured dog in the back of a truck is at extreme risk of injury, or even death, in a sudden stop, sharp turn, or collision.

• Risk of Ejection: A dog can easily be thrown from the truck bed in an accident or even from a sudden stop or swerve.
• Jumping Out: A curious or excitable dog may see something that tempts it to jump out, leading to severe injury or death. This is a very common scenario.
• Flying Debris: At highway speeds, the open truck bed exposes your pet to flying rocks, insects, and other road debris that can cause severe injury to their eyes, ears, and nose.
• Strangulation: Tying a dog with a leash is not a safe alternative. If the dog is thrown or jumps out, it can be dragged or strangled by the tether.
• Exposure to the Elements: The metal bed of a truck can become dangerously hot, burning a dog’s paws. They are also vulnerable to hypothermia, sunburn, and other weather-related conditions.

Safe Alternatives for Your Pet

The safest place for your dog in any vehicle is in the cab with you, properly restrained.

• Inside the Cab: This is the best option. Use a travel carrier or a safety harness that attaches directly to the seatbelt. This will keep them secure and prevent them from becoming a dangerous distraction.
• Secured Crate in the Truck Bed: If your dog must ride in the truck bed, it should be in a solid, hard-sided crate that is large enough for the dog to stand and lie down, but small enough to prevent it from being tossed around. The crate must be securely fastened to the floor of the bed to prevent it from sliding or bouncing.