Your pet is a member of your family, so chances are you like them to be involved in everything your family does—whether it’s riding along to the grocery store or adding to the excitement of a family road trip. Even if you prefer to keep your pet at home, vet trips or dog park visits require some car time.
If you’re the type to let your dog or cat hop in the car and go, it’s time to rethink that strategy. There are some pet dangers in your car that you might not be aware of.
Many of the hazards listed below wouldn’t be quite so dangerous if pets were properly contained with a crate or harness, but many pet owners don’t take that extra step.
A vehicle isn’t a house, so sometimes cleaning can be a little lax. If you routinely have pets in your vehicle, however, you should step up your car cleaning routine. Sugar free gum that contains xylitol, left-over grapes or raisins, or chocolate candies can all cause toxicity in pets.
Windows carry a multitude of risks, especially when they’re open. Many dogs enjoy the smells that pass by if they stick their head out the window while you drive, but that poses plenty of risks. It’s no secret that dogs love to chew, and that could include things in your vehicle. Jones says one client’s dog ate through about eight seatbelts. He says that dogs who are in a harness or crate don’t usually have such issues.
Even parked cars can be a hazard to pets, especially in the winter. Cats like an engine’s warmth, which can last for a while after a vehicle is parked. Of course, there’s an even bigger issue if the cat is still near the engine when the vehicle is turned on. Severe burns or even death can occur from an engine or fan belt.
Even parked cars can be a hazard to pets, especially in the winter. Cats like an engine’s warmth, which can last for a while after a vehicle is parked. Of course, there’s an even bigger issue if the cat is still near the engine when the vehicle is turned on. Severe burns or even death can occur from an engine or fan belt.
If a crash unfortunately happens, your pet’s safety is important. If airbags are deployed durng a crash, they can injure pets just as they do people. Though not a danger of the car itself, a car that is too hot is a very real danger for pets—one you should always be aware of.
Pet parents should never leave their dogs alone in the car, even with windows down or the air conditioner running—because a running car with keys in the ignition can cause problems too.
Pet parents should never leave their dogs alone in the car, even with windows down or the air conditioner running—because a running car with keys in the ignition can cause problems too.