ORLANDO, Fla. – You guys know I love my dogs — probably more than I love most people (kidding… kind of).
Whenever I can, I take them with me, whether it’s a day of running errands, visiting a friend or just going for a cruise. But as much as I enjoy having my furry copilots riding shotgun, I also know that traveling with dogs comes with a set of safety rules we all need to follow.
That’s why today, one of my girls is hopping into Results-1 with me for a demonstration of the dos and don’ts of driving with your dog. Because let’s be real — keeping them safe is just as important as keeping ourselves safe on the road.
The dos of driving with your dog
Secure your dog properly
Just like we wear seatbelts, dogs need to be safely secured in a moving vehicle. A pet seatbelt harness or a properly sized crate is the way to go. Free-roaming pups in the car might look cute, but in a crash, they could become projectiles—and that’s dangerous for both of you.
Use the back seat
As much as I love my dog riding up front, the safest place for them is in the back. Airbags are designed for humans, and a deployed airbag can seriously injure your dog.
Keep their head inside the vehicle
We’ve all seen dogs living their best life with their heads out the window, ears flapping in the wind. But trust me, debris, bugs or even sudden stops can turn that fun into an accident. Keep those windows secure!
Make pit stops
Long drive? Plan for breaks. Dogs need to stretch their legs, go to the bathroom and hydrate — just like us. It keeps them comfortable and prevents unnecessary distractions while you’re driving.
The don’ts of driving with your dog
Don’t let them ride on your lap
I know, I know — your pup wants to be close to you. But having a dog on your lap while driving is a serious distraction and in some places, it’s even illegal.
Don’t leave them in a hot car
Even if it’s “just for a minute,” temperatures inside a car can skyrocket fast, putting your dog at serious risk of heatstroke. If you can’t bring them inside with you, leave them at home.
Don’t rely on just holding the leash
Looping a leash around your hand while driving might seem like a good idea, but it’s not enough to keep your dog safe. If you have to slam on the brakes, a leash won’t prevent them from getting hurt.
Don’t let them roam unrestrained in the truck bed
This one is a big no. An open truck bed is extremely dangerous for a dog — if you wouldn’t ride back there without safety restraints, neither should they.
Time for a ride-along!
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, it’s time to put them into action. One of my girls is coming along for a Results-1 ride to show you exactly how to travel with your dog the right way.
Watch the full video at the top of this story.
