A pet insurer has shared the warning with dog owners.
(Source: Pexels)A pet insurer thinks dogs should be banned from sticking their heads out of car windows.
New research from Direct Line Pet Insurance has found nearly half of motorists allow their pet to stick their head out of a window during a car journey, with 28 per cent of dog owners saying they never restrain their four-legged friend while in the car.
According to the British research, 18 per cent of vets have treated animals who sustained injuries because they were poorly restrained in the car, ranging from broken bones to minor injuries like bruising.
In Ireland, motorists are legally required to restrain their dog while in a car, so they won't distract the driver.
Direct Line says vets recommend a dog seatbelt and harness as the safest way to restrain the animal, followed by a crate or cage, or a barrier between the boot and the back seat. If you're transporting a smaller animal, then you're advised to keep them in a carrier or a secure basket.
Travelling with pets
Meanwhile this research also highlights some of the problems that can arise when travelling with pets.
Thirty six per cent of dog owners say their pet has got the car dirty, while one in ten owners had to deal with their pooch using the car as its toilet.
