In a rural community such as ours, people love their pickup trucks and their dogs. While we know we won’t convince the truly committed dog-in-pickup defenders, we encourage everyone to consider the following:

Dogs who ride in the backs of pickup trucks can look like they’re having fun, noses testing the wind, and ears flopping freely. They are going places with their parents. However, an estimated 100,000 dogs die every year because of falling or jumping off of pickup trucks. If a driver hits a bump, slams on the brakes, or swerves to avoid an obstacle a dog can easily be thrown from the truck bed.

They can die or suffer from multiple fractures, abdominal and thoracic trauma, and severe cuts and bruises. In many cases, dogs who survive are hit and killed by other vehicles. Additionally, dogs falling or jumping from trucks often lead to car accidents. The metal of the truck bed can burn or freeze dogs’ feet. Dogs riding in the hot sun without shade may suffer from heatstroke. Other risks are that dogs can get eye or ear injuries when bugs, sand, debris, or other objects are blown into their faces. The dangers are enough that many states have banned traveling with dogs in the truck bed. 

The safest way for a dog to ride in the back of a pickup is in a crate that can’t slide around or tip over. The American Veterinary Medical Association says: “Dogs may be confined to a truck bed in a secure cage or kennel, but attention must be paid to ensuring appropriate space (sufficient to stand up and lie down, but not enough that the dog may be thrown from one side of the crate/kennel to the other), ventilation, and protection from the elements. Enclosures on a truck bed may accumulate toxic carbon monoxide and provide only limited protection in the event of an accident.”

 It’s not safe to secure a dog in the truck bed with a leash or harness. There have been cases where dogs restrained by leashes or harnesses have been strangled or dragged after being thrown from a truck bed.  

So yes, dogs might enjoy riding in the back of pickup trucks. They also enjoy rolling in disgusting stuff and snacking in the cat litter box. Pet parents need to be responsible protectors of their canine family members. As social beings, dogs should ride in the cab with their people – safe and secure. And, if a trip to town means he will be left alone in a hot truck, he’d be happier staying at home.  

Nicholas Gilman, Second Chance Executive Director says, “Dogs riding in the open bed of a pickup truck are not safe. We have rescued numerous pets who have been thrown from trucks and survived. We have seen badly injured legs, heads, eyes, etc. Although we recognize this is a sensitive topic for some, we hope people will reconsider before traveling with beloved dogs in the bed of the pickup.”

 

 

Oh, sweet Latte. She is a young mixed-breed girl who thinks she’s a lap dog despite weighing 70 pounds. Latte had a rough start in life, but she has learned to trust and has bonded hard with our staff and regular volunteers. We know her transition to a new home will take patience. Her new person will be rewarded with a loving, loyal, dog who will be a great companion.

For thirty years, the Animal Resource Center and Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been serving Ouray, San Miguel, and Montrose Counties. Our adoption hours are from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can view our shelter pets and services online at www.secondchancehumane.org. Connecting Pets, People, and Community While Saving Lives.