Okay, when I asked the GFFL Board for information that they wanted to include in the next newsletter and they gave me this story idea, I thought, “Oops, I’m VERY guilty!” Just because dogs like hanging their heads out of car windows, does that mean we should let them?
Just because dogs like hanging their heads out of car windows, does that mean we should let them?
Dogs love sticking their heads out of the window when riding in the car. I had a greyhound girl who loved to stick her head out of the sunroof – imagine how that looked to the cars we passed. I admit, I let my dogs hang their heads out of the window, but only at low speeds – because I hate driving with windows open when driving at high speeds. Even at low speeds, your dog’s head and eyes are a target for bugs, small rocks, pieces of debris on the roadway, and dust. Small flying rocks cause significant damage to your windshield, even driving at slower speeds. Small rocks scratch and chip your car’s body. Think about what a rock could do to your dog’s eye, nose, ears, or face. Dogs’ ears are also at risk when they hang their heads out of car windows. Constant ear flapping can cause ear flaps to swell. Scar tissue can form in the soft tissue of the ears as a result of flying debris or flapping, which can result in permanent ear problems.
If your dog has allergies, he is more exposed dust and pollen rushing into his face, which can aggravate his condition.
A greyhound can jump out of a car if the windows are mostly or fully opened (it has happened!). If the dog is leashed or unleashed and jumps out of the window of a moving car, well, you all can imagine that tragedy.
When your greyhound is in the car, it’s best to limit open windows to 3-4 inches, max. And, as we enjoy some cool but sunny spring days, do not leave your greyhound in the car, even for a few minutes. The car’s inside temperature can rise quickly and become unsafe for dogs and kids. If you’re running errands, leave your dog at home and not in your parked car.
After writing this article and on my way home from a recent GFFL Meet and Greet, I cracked the back windows about two inches. The air blew in and my greyhound, George, had his nose at the window, enjoying the smells and rushing air. I kept him safe and he had a good time – a window win!