There’s something about an open car window that seems absolutely irresistible to a dog. The moment that window starts to roll down, noses go up, ears start flying, and suddenly your pup looks like they’re living their very best life!
That makes National Ride the Wind Day, celebrated every August 23, a fun occasion for pet parents to celebrate adventure, fresh air, and those unforgettable moments with their four-legged passengers. The day originally commemorates the historic human-powered flight of the Gossamer Condor on August 23, 1977.
At Four Paws Place, however, we think our dogs may have perfected the art of “riding the wind” long ago.
Why Do Dogs Love Sticking Their Heads Out the Window?
You know the look: eyes bright, nose working overtime, tongue hanging out and ears blowing in the breeze.
For dogs, a car ride can provide an exciting combination of new sights, smells and sensations. With their incredible sense of smell, that stream of fresh air provides an ever-changing assortment of scents to investigate.
It might look adorable—and it certainly makes for a great photo—but allowing a dog to put their head completely outside a moving vehicle can also create some serious safety risks.
The Hidden Dangers Behind Those Flapping Ears
When you’re traveling down the road, your dog isn’t experiencing a gentle backyard breeze. Air, dust, dirt, insects, sand, small rocks and other road debris can be moving toward your dog’s face at considerable speed.
The American Kennel Club specifically recommends not allowing dogs to ride with their heads outside a moving vehicle, noting the possibility of eye and ear injuries as well as injuries from flying debris. Dogs can also potentially jump or fall from an open window.
Your Dog’s Eyes Are Particularly Vulnerable
A tiny piece of road debris that wouldn’t seem dangerous to us can become a problem when it strikes a dog’s eye while the vehicle is moving.
Possible problems include:
- Dust, dirt, sand and debris entering the eyes
- Eye irritation and excessive watering
- Scratches or trauma to the eye
- Redness and inflammation
- Wind-related irritation
- Foreign objects becoming lodged around or in the eye
Veterinary guidance cited by the AKC recommends preventing dogs from sticking their heads outside moving vehicles and notes that properly fitted dog goggles can help protect the eyes from strong wind, dirt, debris and UV exposure during appropriate outdoor activities.
If Your Pup Loves the Breeze, Protect Those Beautiful Eyes
Protective eyewear designed specifically for dogs can provide an added barrier between your pup’s eyes and wind, dirt and flying debris.
But here’s the most important safety message:
Dog sunglasses or goggles don’t make it completely safe for your dog to hang their entire head outside a moving vehicle. The safest choice is still to keep your dog properly restrained inside the vehicle and keep the window closed or only partially open so they cannot extend their head outside. Protective eyewear is an additional layer of eye protection—not a substitute for safe car travel.
And if your pup is going to wear protective eyewear, proper fit matters. Eyewear that’s too loose can allow debris inside, while eyewear that’s too tight can be uncomfortable.
Ride the Wind in Style With Four Paws Place
Whether your pup is joining you on a road trip, enjoying an outdoor adventure or simply wants to become the coolest dog on the block, Four Paws Place has dog eyewear ready for the occasion.
Dog Sunglasses
Bring on the style! Four Paws Place Dog Sunglasses feature a secure strap and come in multiple colors, including black, blue, green, orange, pink, purple, red and yellow. They are designed to fit small dogs.
Shop Four Paws Place Dog Sunglasses
Doggles Copper Frame With Gold Mirrored Lens
For pups who want fashion and added eye protection, these Doggles feature polycarbonate shatterproof lenses, adjustable elastic straps and 100% UV protection, according to the Four Paws Place product description.
Shop Doggles Copper Frame With Gold Mirrored Lens
Doggles Silver Frame With Pink Lens
For the pup who believes safety accessories should still make a fashion statement, check out the adorable silver-frame Doggles with pink lenses.
Shop Doggles Silver Frame With Pink Lens
You can also browse the full Four Paws Place accessories collection, which currently includes several dog-eyewear options.
Shop Four Paws Place Dog Accessories
Let Those Ears Fly—Responsibly!
National Ride the Wind Day is a wonderful excuse to grab your best four-legged friend and enjoy an adventure together.
Take a scenic drive. Visit a dog-friendly park. Roll the window down just enough for your pup to enjoy some fresh air while remaining safely inside. And when protective eyewear is appropriate, make sure it fits comfortably and securely.
Because there’s nothing cuter than a dog with their ears blowing in the breeze—especially when their pet parent is keeping safety in mind.
So buckle up, grab the Doggles, turn on your favorite road-trip playlist and celebrate National Ride the Wind Day Four Paws Place style!
Adventure. Fresh air. Floppy ears. Protected eyes. Happy dogs.
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