Q: My dog likes to ride in the car. How can I keep him safe?

Q: My dog likes to ride in the car.  How can I keep him safe?

A: Dogs should always be restrained while in the car. Holding Fido in your lap while you talk on the phone and apply eye liner does not count.

You wear a seat belt and so should your furry friend. A loose dog in a moving vehicle is a danger to himself and to people inside and outside the car. The dog can distract the driver, block her vision or interfere with her ability to steer or use the pedals. An unrestrained dog may even randomly decide jump out an open window. 

In an accident, an unrestrained dog will be thrown around the car or through the windshield at life-threatening velocity. According to Bark Buckle Up, [LINK: barkbuckleup.com] a national pet safety program, an unrestrained 60 pound dog in a car traveling at 30-35 mph will cause an impact of 2,700 pounds. The dog probably won't survive and the driver and passengers can be harmed if they collide with the dog. If the dog survives, he'll be injured and scared and, thus, more likely to bite rescue workers or interfere with their work. Moreover, Fido could escape from the wreck and be hit by another vehicle or cause another crash.

Many different types of restraints are available and easily attach to your vehicle (and your dog). The size of your dog will determine the best style of restraint. Doggie car seats raise small dogs up so they can see outside while they are safely attached to the car's seat belt. Harnesses that attach directly to the seat belt are more comfortable for medium and large dogs. 

Crates and pet carriers are fine as long as they're well ventilated and firmly attached to the vehicle. Otherwise, the crate will become a dangerous projectile in a crash. Purchase a restraint specifically designed for this purpose rather than making your own. Built-in vehicle barriers are available from the factory on many cars. These gadgets form a cage-like structure in the back of the vehicle.

Which ever restraint you choose, practice installing it in the vehicle and on your dog before you rev the engine. Never restrain Fido in the front seat. If the airbag deploys, the impact can kill him.

And another thing...I know it looks like a harmless enjoyable treat for your pooch, but letting him ride with his head out the window is extremely dangerous. Let's look at the facts:

• Airborne debris (think bugs, pollution etc.) can become embedded in Fido's eyes.
• Airborne debris can become embedded in Fido's ear canal.
• Chilly air rushing into Fido's nose and lungs can damage his respiratory system.
• Fido's head can hit a sign, mail box, a tree or a passing bus.
• Fido can jump out the window.

So what can we do to allow Fido to feel the wind in his ears? Well, you could buy him a pair of canine goggles, but that would only take care of the first problem. Instead, crack the window on both sides of the car to produce a cross wind. Then, drive to the dog park, the beach or any safe enclosed area and let Fido run free. If you frolic with him, you'll burn off that dessert you really should have skipped.