05/23/2026
Hot topic for a lot of animal professionals: dogs riding with their heads out the car windows.
A lot of people let their dogs stick their heads out the window to enjoy the smells, fresh air, and wind in their fur. Some owners use protective goggles to help shield their dogs’ eyes from bugs, rocks, rain, dust, and debris - especially here in Oklahoma where the wind seems to carry half the state with it. Others choose to seat belt their dogs in the backseat so they can still enjoy the fresh air without being able to lean out of the vehicle.
But did you know the safest place for your dog to ride in the car is actually inside of a crash-tested kennel, such as a Ruff Land kennel?
These kennels have protected dogs through rollover accidents and severe crashes countless times, often preventing serious injury or saving the dog’s life entirely. Because of that, many animal professionals strongly recommend secured kennel transportation whenever possible.
At the same time, this is ultimately a personal choice - much like many parenting decisions. Almost everything we do in life comes with some level of risk, and every owner has to decide what balance feels right for their family and their dog.
For us and many of our clients, our dogs are a part of everyday life. We want them involved in the experiences we enjoy. We take them to pet-friendly stores, bring them along on walks and adventures, celebrate their birthdays, and keep special treats in the fridge just for them. If we’re outside enjoying a sunny day or listening to the rain, chances are our dogs are right there with us. Shoot, if we are eating something dog safe, you'd better believe every polite dog on standby is getting a morsel ... unless you tell us not to 😏
Even everyday joys can carry risks. Running through tall grass on a hike could lead to eye irritation. Swimming, roughhousing, car rides, or hiking rocky terrain all carry some degree of risk too. Life itself is never completely risk-free.
So yes - riding outside of a kennel, especially with their head out the window, does increase risk. That is simply the reality of it.
But sometimes people decide that the joy of the experience outweighs the potential risk involved.
No judgment. Just education, informed choices, and loving our dogs the best we can 🧡
