Dental health is vital for cats, dogs

Uncle Matty: My sister is outraged that my two dogs ride in the front passenger seat next to me when I'm driving. My dogs are cocker spaniels, and there is plenty of room. They sit there and enjoy the ride. What's your view on this? —Ronald R., Portland, Ore.

Dear Ronald: Sorry, but I have to agree with your sister. It just isn't safe for the dogs and of course for you, the driver, to have pets riding unconfined in the vehicle. Regardless of how well-behaved your dogs are, they can be unpredictable for a variety of reasons — a loud noise, a commotion or a barking dog in another car. We've all seen a dog riding in a driver's lap or jumping back and forth from lap to passenger seat. This is dangerous and distracting. Any sudden stop can cause serious injury or worse to your dogs. Dogs can go through a windshield just as easily as a human.

Crate your dogs, and put the crates in the back seat. You can also check into doggy seat belts. Personally, I like the crates.

Good luck, and WOOF! —Uncle Matty

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Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Send your questions to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. © Creators Syndicate Inc.