Pet Car Accidents

There are times when owners do not or cannot leave their pets at home. Unfortunately, traveling in cars and trucks can be dangerous for pets. Many pet owners would not dream of leaving for a road trip or vacation without their dogs or cats, and in fact, 51% of travelers with pets indicate that they prefer to bring pets along on vacations. It makes sense to get a clean bill of health for your pet before leaving home, so schedule a wellness exam with your veterinary provider at Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital in Duarte, CA and Azusa, CA.

The following are a few of the hazards that traveling pets face.

Car Accidents

The National Safety Council reports that there are more than 2.5 million rear-end collisions each year. This is a very-common car accident, but when you add a pet to the mix, it could be catastrophic. The sheer frequency of collisions should be enough incentive for pet owners to use caution and restrain pets when traveling.

Distracted Driving

Another risk of traveling with pets is the possibility of distracted driving. Pets in a vehicle can be a distraction. Make sure that they are restrained properly for the ride.

Also, never allow your dog or cat to sit on your lap, even if they are well behaved. This is a dangerous position for a pet to be in if airbags deploy and could be a fatal mistake.
Be cautious of flying debris from open windows. Do not allow pets to ride near open windows or with their heads out of the window. Likewise, never put an animal or its crate in the bed of a truck.

Lost Pets

Perhaps the most common and sad occurrence is when an accident results in lost dogs or cats. A pet’s first instinct during a crisis is to flee, which can cause injuries in traffic or cause a pet to become lost and disoriented. Know that pets will try to revisit the crash site, so don’t give up. Also, put something in the area with a familiar scent, like a blanket or article of clothing.

Is traveling with pets worth the risks? Talk to our vet about your concerns before leaving home.

Talk to our veterinarian at Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital, serving Duarte, CA and Azusa, CA, regarding any concerns that you have pertaining to traveling with your pet. Keep these hazards in-mind and restrain pets in moving vehicles at all times.

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Monday:

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