Not only one, but two reasons why I recommend securing your dog in the car

Family Dog Stolen After Car Accident

As if this isn't bad enough:

While driving her 2 year old son and their 3 year old pet Yorkshire Terrier named Rizzo, a 24 year old woman struck a center divider, causing the car to flip upside down, said sheriff's Sgt. Dave Lelevier.

As paramedics worked to extricate the woman and her child, the frightened dog escaped through a broken window and ran off, Lelevier said.

The dog ended up being stolen:

When the group was returning to the accident scene with the terrier, an unknown Hispanic male adult grabbed the dog from their arms and told them in Spanish that he would return the dog to the owner, Lelevier said.

But instead of returning to the scene, the man took off running in the opposite direction, with the little dog in his arms.

I hope these people will get their little dog back.

February is Pet Dental Awareness Month!

A disease-free mouth is one of the cornerstones of good health and has a positive influence on your dog's longevity. Pain and discomfort from from rotten teeth and diseased gums completely aside, bacteria from periodontal infection can spread throughout the entire body via the blood stream and damage vital organs. Most commonly affected are liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs.

It’s very important to keep a dog’s teeth clean, the gums conditioned and free of inflammation. Just like in humans, genetics play a large role in how much (or how little) help an individual dog may need with keeping teeth clean. Toy breeds with their tiny jaws and crowded teeth are especially vulnerable.

Diligent dental care at home can greatly reduce, or even eliminate, the need for professional teeth cleaning performed under anesthesia, especially when you are not feeding commercial dry food and treats high in carbohydrates and sugars.

If you haven't spent much thought about your dog's dental health in the past, this is the time to do it - many vet offices offer a discount throughout the month of February, and some pet insurances offer partial reimbursements for dental cleaning.

Canine Car Safety

Nobody would let a baby or small child ride unsecured in a car, yet many people don't take any precautions for their dogs whatsoever. Driving around in L.A. traffic, I constantly see dogs hanging halfway out the window, climbing around unsecured inside the vehicle, or even riding on their owner's laps.

I know people love their dogs, but that's the height of irresponsibility and has nothing to do with "love", only with thoughtlessness. Perish the thought that they should ever be in an accident. Their dogs would likely be the first to die, thrown out the window and run over by other cars, killed by deploying airbags, or crushed by their owners.

On the other hand, dogs riding unsecured inside a vehicle are also a distraction and a hazard to human passengers, and to other motorists. It doesn't take much to become distracted by your dog while driving, and accidents can happen quickly.

There are many ways to let dogs enjoy car rides safely, ranging from transporting in a crate that is strapped down well (either in the cargo area or to the back seat), to car seats especially made for dogs, or harnesses that attach to seat belt buckles.

A crate is the safest option, as it provides a secured space the dog cannot escape from, and you will not have to worry about his or her reaction to rescue personnel in an emergency - don't forget that even the most mellow dog may bite under stressful circumstances and when scared.

Be a responsible dog owner, don't risk your best friend's life this way.