As a parent, it can be tempting to let your child ride in the car with their furry best friend to school. After all, dogs are wonderful companions and often make the perfect riding partners.

However, allowing your dog to ride in the car with your child can be incredibly dangerous. In this article, we will explore some of the risks associated with letting your dog ride with your child to school.

Distracted Driving

One of the biggest risks associated with letting your dog ride in the car with your child is distracted driving. With all the activity happening in the car, it can be difficult for the driver to focus on the road.

If the dog becomes playful or agitated, the driver may take their eyes off the road to try and calm the dog down. This can be incredibly dangerous and put your child’s safety at risk.

Unsecured Dog

Another major risk associated with letting your dog ride in the car with your child is an unsecured dog. If the dog is not securely restrained, they can easily become a projectile in the event of an accident.

A dog that is not properly secured can fly forward and hit your child with significant force and cause them serious injury. It’s also important to note that an unsecured dog can cause the driver to lose control of the car, especially if the dog becomes agitated or starts to move around the car.

Dog Aggression

Even if your dog is usually friendly, car rides can be stressful for pets. This added stress can sometimes trigger aggressive behavior in dogs.

If your dog becomes aggressive while riding in the car with your child, the potential for injury to your child or other passengers is very high. It’s never worth taking a chance with the safety of those riding in your car.

Allergies

Another issue that can arise from letting your dog ride in the car with your child is allergies. Some children may develop allergies to dogs over time.

If your child is already sensitive to dog hair, saliva, or dander, having a dog in the car with them can cause a range of reactions, from runny noses to itchy eyes, and even asthma attacks. Avoiding these types of situations is always recommended.

Distraction for Other Drivers

Not only can your dog be a distraction for you, but they can also be a distraction for other drivers. A barking dog in the backseat can catch the attention of other drivers, causing them to take their eyes off the road.

This can lead to accidents and puts everyone at risk.

Anxiety for Dogs

Finally, it’s important to consider the potential anxiety that a dog may experience when riding in the car with your child.

Dogs are creatures of habit and crave routine, so taking your dog out of their usual environment and routine can be stressful for them. If your dog becomes anxious while riding in the car, they can become incredibly agitated and distract the driver even more. At worst, this agitation can cause the dog to become aggressive or cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Final Thoughts

The risks associated with letting your dog ride in the car with your child to school are simply not worth it.

Even if your pet is usually calm and well-behaved, the combination of stress and excitement that comes with a car ride can cause your furry friend to become unpredictable. Instead, consider leaving your dog at home while commuting to school with your child, or use a pet carrier or barrier to separate your dog from the passengers.

In doing so, you can keep your child, your fur baby, and all other passengers safe while on the road.