100K dogs die each year from riding in truck beds

QUINCY, Ill. (KHQA) - According to American Humane, 100,000 dogs are killed each year in accidents involving riding in truck beds.

Veterinarians say they see numerous cases of dogs injuring themselves jumping out of beds, breaking legs and joint injuries that often result in amputation.

In addition, dogs also face a severe risk of being ejected from the bed of a truck.

Steve Scherer with Quincy Animal Control says the risk to the dog is just too great.

"The dog could see something and jump. Most dogs are smart enough not to, though, but I would worry about getting in an accident - the dog's going to be a projectile then. I would also worry about a dog being tethered in the back of a truck because it could jump over the side of a bed and hang itself," said Scherer.

In addition to the crash possibilities, the force of the wind entering a dog's lungs is not healthy, while bugs and debris can also get lodged into a dog's ears or eyes.