Dogs like to stick their heads out of the car window possibly because of curiosity or anxiety

Perhaps we often encounter such a situation: when we drive out with our dogs, dogs usually stick their heads out of the window. This is quite a common scenario, so what causes them to behave this way? There are many reasons why dogs do this; whether it’s curiosity about the outside environment or inner anxiety, both can lead dogs to exhibit such behavior.

We know dogs are inherently very interested in fast-moving objects—that is their instinctive reaction. So while the car is moving at high speed, dogs are very curious about the outside world, which is why they stick their heads out of the window. Moreover, when the car moves at high speed, it creates strong airflow, which can affect the dog’s judgment of the environment, inevitably causing some anxiety. Thus, dogs often rely on their eyes to assess their surroundings to avoid losing their way home.

For the dog’s health and safety, try to avoid letting them stick their heads out of the window

However, considering various factors, we should still prevent dogs from doing this. Apart from the potential health impact on the dog, it also poses safety risks to others. During driving, overtaking situations are unavoidable. If the road is congested and the dog suddenly sticks its head out of the window, there are basically two possible outcomes: the overtaking driver suddenly brakes, or the dog gets hit. Either result is unsafe for both the owner and others.

In addition, when the car moves at high speed, a large amount of dust in the air can enter the dog’s trachea, possibly causing infections, leading to coughing and sneezing. Moreover, we cannot rule out accidents; if foreign objects flying outside hit the dog’s head when the car is moving fast, the impact can be quite serious. Therefore, from many aspects, it is not suitable to let dogs stick their heads out of the window.

Of course, some owners worry that dogs might get car sick, so they open the window. However, it is not necessary to open the window wide; just leave a narrow strip open. This way, the dog’s safety is ensured without causing motion sickness.