5 Tips for safely transporting dogs in trucks

The following article "Five Tips for Safely Transporting Dogs in Trucks" is a guest post by Judy Holderman. Even though the article focuses on pet safety in trucks, most of the recommendations also apply to having your dog in a car. I think you'll find it very informative.

If you've ever had any doubts about how much your dog enjoys riding in the truck, catch this Nissan commercial from 1998. And after you've watched, take Rover for a ride, don't make him resort to these tactics you just saw on YouTube.

Before you pull out of the driveway, however, make sure you're keeping both of you safe and happy.

1. Always have some type of restraint on your pet for his safety.

Most people prefer to have their dog in the truck bed with them. Pet crates and dog seat belts both work well to keep your dog safe, while they are close by you.

For especially large dogs, or for circumstances where the dog cannot ride in the truck cab, Pickup Truck TieOuts are designed for safely transporting the pet in the truck bed. These come with truck bed anchors which easily install in the bed post holes or hand rails. A short lead connected to the dog's collar is attached to a firm line that is stretched between the anchors. This system will keep the dog's head in the center of the truck, safe and secure.

2. Make sure you have provisions for your pet for longer trips

Keeping your furry companion comfy on the ride is important to the pet parent, especially if it's going to be a long ride or overnight travel. Make sure you have a comfortable place for your dog to rest. A blanket or dog bed on the seat or in their crate will be helpful. Have plenty of supplies: food, water, a leash, doggie waste bags, snacks, etc. You will also want to make sure your pet has current tags, with your address and phone number on them. And don't forget some of Rover's favorite toys.

3. Don't allow your dog to hang his head out the window

Most dog seat belts will allow enough flexibility that they can still get to the truck window. This can be dangerous as they risk bugs, debris, and stones being chipped up from the road and into their eyes. It can also be harmful to their ears. The ASPCA notes that pets allowed to hang their heads out of moving vehicle windows are at risk for ear and lung infections.

4. Prepare your pet ahead of time for rides in the truck or car

Even though most dogs are very excited about riding in the truck, many of them don't travel well. You can help in that by training them early, and doing some behavior control. If you choose to use a dog seat belt for restraint in the truck, have the dog get used to the harness while at home – this always works best if you start from puppyhood and train Rover as he grows up. If you plan to use a crate, you'll also want your pet to get comfortable being in a crate at home – for short periods of time of course. Once you are ready to take the next step, let your dog sit in the truck (or car) while it's parked in the driveway, and not moving. Enforce any commands that you will be issuing on the drive. And always provide a treat for good behavior as a means of reinforcement. Gradually increase the time in the vehicle and then start making trips, again increasing the time you are gone.

5. Never leave your dog in the truck alone

Plan your trips wisely so that you are never forced to leave your pet in the vehicle alone. The HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) warns that the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes on a warm day. If you absolutely must leave your pet, be sure windows are partially open for ventilation. And be sure your pet is restrained, in case he jumps from the vehicle when you return and open the door.

With a lot of thought and some advance planning, both owner and pet can have a pleasant experience taking rides in the truck, and look forward to many more trips.

Judy lives in Wisconsin with her husband and writes for her personal blog as well as her company's. She works for Truck Champ, who sells an array of truck accessories. An animal lover at heart, Judy has made it a mission to spread the word about safe pet transport for those who love to have their dogs while in transit.

Halloween hazards that hurt your pet and hurt your wallet

The following is a guest post by Dr. Bill Craig pictured with  Maizie below on the dangers lurking for your pets this Halloween. I hope you find it useful.

Before any ghosts and goblins knock on your door this Halloween, PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance is urging pet owners to pet-proof your home from the top Halloween hazards that can harm your pet and lead to expensive emergency veterinary care. PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance (www.purinacare.com) with its commitment to providing a lifetime of care to dogs and cats, is providing an easy guide to a safe and healthy
Halloween for your pet.

TOP HALLOWEEN PET HAZARDS:

•  HALLOWEEN POISONING - Dogs love chocolate, but don't let your dog get near the Halloween candy. Chocolate contains stimulants that are toxic and can be deadly for dogs.

•   HALLOWEEN INGESTION - It only takes seconds for pieces of Halloween costumes, candy wrappers or lollipop sticks to become lodged in a curious pet's throat, perforate the stomach or bowels, or obstruct and irritate the digestive system.

•   HALLOWEEN BURNS - Whiskers and tails are easily burned by Halloween candles and Jack-o-lanterns. Keep Halloween light cords out of chewing range to avoid electrocution.

•   HALLOWEEN STRESS - Pets can become stressed and aggressive from constant doorbell ringing, strangers, unfamiliar costumes, and loud voices. This can create unexpected situations that lead to severe injuries. Keep your pets at home and in a quiet, safe place.

"It takes only seconds for Halloween fun to turn into something truly scary for your pet. The cost for emergency veterinary care can range from a few hundred dollars for poisoning or minor burns to several thousand dollars if surgery is required for intestinal blockage, skin grafts or other severe injuries," says Dr. Bill Craig, DVM, Chief Medical and Underwriting Director of PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance. "Removing the Halloween hazards from your pet's environment will keep your pet safe and prevent paying for unnecessary veterinary bills."

PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance covers the above mentioned treatments for Halloween-related injuries and illnesses that are performed by a licensed veterinarian in a clinical setting. For more information about PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance policies and rate quotes, go to www.purinacare.com or call 1-877-8-PURINA.

About PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance
PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance, Inc. is dedicated to providing pet owners with a Lifetime of CareT for their pets. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance, Inc. offers PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance to pet owners in most states and promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement, and the positive bond between people and their pets. For more information about PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance, go to http://www.purinacare.com/.