good motoring
Ensure dog’s safety in car
H. Kishie Singh

Any family who has ever kept a dog knows that in double quick time, the dog becomes an integral part of the family. The dog becomes the most pampered member, and one of the must-do activities is to take the dog out for a drive. They love it!

Once the dog is in the car, he must be treated with the same care as a child, may be more. He won’t be able to voice his problems and discomfort. To begin with, take Snoopy’s advice: "A dog should never be left alone in the car." The temperature these days is hovering around 40`B0C. Even if you parked your car in the shade, the interior of the vehicle could heat up to 70-80`B0C. This could be fatal for a dog. Dogs can be susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration. They need kid glove treatment.

If dogs have to be transported long distances in the car, carry their water dish and cool water

If dogs have to be transported long distances in the car, carry their water dish and cool water. Chilled water is not recommended. The A/C should be at full blast to keep the dog comfortable. He is the most important passenger in the car. Cater to his needs.

It is entirely possible that you may be going up to the hills and taking your dog with you. Dogs also suffer from motion sickness just like humans. One sure way to ruin your holiday is to have your dog throwing up in the car. Before setting out on your journey, check with the vet on how to handle dogs. A dog’s constitution is much like a human’s. They can be given the same medication as humans but the dosage must be according to their body weight. Your vet is the only person who can advise you on this.

The other day I saw a frightening sight. A gorgeous German Shepherd was in the back seat of a Ford Endeavour. The rear door window was down. It’s a large opening. Dogs are alert and observant animals and agile. Had the dog seen or heard something to distract him, like another dog or cat, he could have leapt out of the moving car.

Even at 20-30 kmph, a comparatively slow speed, the dog could be seriously injured. If there was another car following, it could have been fatal.

If you have driven a mobike or scooter without eye protection, your eyes will water. The reason is that the eyes cannot take the wind hitting them at high speeds. A human eye is simply not designed for being buffeted by the hot dry winds, like we have nowadays. In most countries it is illegal to drive a two-wheeler without eye protection. A small insect flying into your eye will make you flinch; it’s a natural reaction; you will close your eyes. Driving a two- wheeler, probably at high speed with your eyes closed, is an invitation to disaster. Wear eye protection while driving a two-wheeler.

It is a common sight to see a man driving a two-wheeler without eye protection. His face is all contorted against the bashing the wind is giving his face. Girls are much smarter. Their face and head is bundled up against the heat, dust and hot wind. In addition they wear dark glasses. Almost perfect! To be perfect, they should be wearing a helmet. Every style of helmet and good quality helmets are available in the market. Check them out and get yourself one, an approved one. Not that fake one sold on the roadside. When most needed, it will let you down.

A cheetah’s eyes are designed to stay open and focus on his prey at speeds up to 100 kmph. Not a dog’s. His eyes will water as he sits with his head out of the window. It may develop into an eye infection. If you need to let fresh air into the car cabin, just leave about 8-10 cm of the window down, enough to let in fresh air but not enough to let the dog poke his head out or jump out. Both can be detrimental to the dog.

With temperature at plus 40`B0C, it would be a wise move to check coolant, tyres, battery and the drive belts. Extreme heat does take a toll on all those things.

It may also be a good idea to de-worm your dogs.

Happy motoring.