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Creating "dog mode"

Hunters Edge

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I will give ya that alot of dogs dies on roads. But in vehicles, given that those stats are estimated, I just cant accept that 3 times more dogs die as passengers in vehicle than human beings. Taking into account that humans outnumber dogs 4 to 1 in the US and most people that have dogs dont take them with them on most of their drives, such as commutes, vacations, driving work, medical visits, etc. I dont know a single person who does take their dog everywhere and never have. We take our dogs approximately 25% of the places we go, every mile included. Thats alot. Most people dont have dogs, and most dont take them as much as we do. Taking into account the number of people who dont wear seatbelts( like myself when not driving my maverick)is about 10%. Thats would have to mean that dogs are 40 times more likely to die in vehicle crashes as passengers than humans.

This is all very rough math. But still the numbers dont seem to work well with what is seen on the roads. Dogs getting hit i totally believe 100,000, but as passengers there is just no way that is accurate unless animal control trucks loaded with dogs are crashing everywhere.

But you are right we can agree to disagree. And that what we have here. This is not a failure of communication like so much these days. One thing I can say is that this is a prime example of a way that AI could help society. Data analytics. As long as it doesnt try to write a screenplay for it.
I can see it easily. It's why the federal government made seat belts and car seats a requirement. Case in point the story I told the coworker drove his jeep 30 miles into work after the accident. He put on the brakes but also on impact his dog was thrown into the windshield. It happened in a fraction of a second. Basically the dog passed from head injury.

It maybe why in the information I posted veterinarian suggest using or putting them in a kennel.
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ChiliDawg

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I totally get this - I like to take my dog on adventures all over town (hiking, swimming, picnics, wineries, pet shops, etc.)... and would love to be able to make a quick stop at the grocery store on the way home. Even here in Seattle the summers get too hot to let anyone just sit in the car, but a shady spot and open windows are often all that's needed. More than that, and the dog goes home and I get to drive my trucklett a few more miles.

Some stores around here and elsewhere now have dog-spots near the front doors - kennels for "parking" your dog while you shop. Since I have big dogs, that doesn't always help. I never saw store kennel big enough to "park" my 160lb mastiff. Our current "little" dog is only 100lbs, so she might fit in their XL options.

For the dog that has everything - crates with integrated AC and temp control are coming soon: https://velitcamping.com/products/velit-comfort-pawd

I know if you talked to dog show and agility professionals that they have premium setups in their vehicles, since dogs are often required to be out of the ring during competitions, and there aren't always any other good options for where to wait for your event.

For the rest of us - I like the remote-start for A/C and a temperature monitor. Many in the RV world have temperature monitors in their campers/trailers/motorhomes to let them know if the power goes out and temps start climbing, so those are readily available off the shelf.
https://products.bestreviews.com/best-rv-temperature-monitor

Having a larger space - like in a camper shell on the back with good air flow - would also help, but still be a short-time option. Which, as I understand it, is all we're talking about here.

And for the absent minded... set a timer on your phone when you leave the car, so you get an alarm after 15 minutes and don't "forget the baby" you left in the car. :p
 
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Kingfish

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I totally get this - I like to take my dog on adventures all over town (hiking, swimming, picnics, wineries, pet shops, etc.)... and would love to be able to make a quick stop at the grocery store on the way home. Even here in Seattle the summers get too hot to let anyone just sit in the car, but a shady spot and open windows are often all that's needed. More than that, and the dog goes home and I get to drive my trucklett a few more miles.

Some stores around here and elsewhere now have dog-spots near the front doors - kennels for "parking" your dog while you shop. Since I have big dogs, that doesn't always help. I never saw store kennel big enough to "park" my 160lb mastiff. Our current "little" dog is only 100lbs, so she might fit in their XL options.

For the dog that has everything - crates with integrated AC and temp control are coming soon: https://velitcamping.com/products/velit-comfort-pawd

I know if you talked to dog show and agility professionals that they have premium setups in their vehicles, since dogs are often required to be out of the ring during competitions, and there aren't always any other good options for where to wait for your event.

For the rest of us - I like the remote-start for A/C and a temperature monitor. Many in the RV world have temperature monitors in their campers/trailers/motorhomes to let them know if the power goes out and temps start climbing, so those are readily available off the shelf.
https://products.bestreviews.com/best-rv-temperature-monitor

Having a larger space - like in a camper shell on the back with good air flow - would also help, but still be a short-time option. Which, as I understand it, is all we're talking about here.

And for the absent minded... set a timer on your phone when you leave the car, so you get an alarm after 15 minutes and don't "forget the baby" you left in the car. :p
The timer is a great idea!

I'm in the market for a remote temp monitor for our little camping trailer (which I'll also use in "dog mode"). Thanks for the link...that'll help!
 

DWAlaska

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I carry my dogs in the bed -- 2024 XLT FX4-- with a hard Folding bedcover. I created a barrier and leave the back flap open. They are covered, secure, and get air whether I'm driving or parked. The barrier is a remade backseat barrier from the secondhand store, a bungie and a 2x4. And I have space behind the bairrer for gear.
Ford Maverick Creating "dog mode" IMG_0021
Ford Maverick Creating "dog mode" IMG_0019
 

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Kingfish

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I carry my dogs in the bed -- 2024 XLT FX4-- with a hard Folding bedcover. I created a barrier and leave the back flap open. They are covered, secure, and get air whether I'm driving or parked. The barrier is a remade backseat barrier from the secondhand store, a bungie and a 2x4. And I have space behind the bairrer for gear.
IMG_0021.jpg
IMG_0019.jpg
Nice setup!
 

The AC Whisperer

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Dear poster, thank you very much for raising this crucial issue! Leaving a dog alone in a car during hot weather (even if it's ‘only’ 85°F/29°C) is extremely dangerous, even for a short period of time. Under direct sunlight, the temperature inside a car can rise to lethal levels (over 120°F/49°C) in as little as 10 minutes, leading to heatstroke, organ damage, or even death—the consequences are unimaginable. We must take this issue seriously!

Common practices like “leaving the windows open,” “finding shade,” or “providing plenty of water” are absolutely insufficient to ensure safety. Airflow is limited, shade moves, and water temperatures rise rapidly. The only responsible solution is to install a temperature control system that can operate independently while you’re away and reliably maintain safe temperatures!

This is precisely why we strongly recommend the DC Inverter Split Air Conditioner/Truck-Specific Mini Parking Air Conditioner. It is specifically designed to address temperature control safety for pets/passengers during vehicle parking, perfectly tailored to your needs:

Pure DC power supply (12V/24V): Directly uses the truck's own battery! No external generator or campsite power required. Utilises revolutionary DC inverter technology with extremely low power consumption, allowing the truck battery to support safe operation for extended periods, avoiding the embarrassment of the vehicle not starting when you return.

Independent operation & precise temperature control: Equipped with an intelligent thermostat, it can be pre-set to a safe temperature range (e.g., 78°F/25.5°C). When you step away briefly, the system automatically activates and continues to operate, ensuring the interior temperature remains within a safe and comfortable range, creating a safe and cool space for your dog.

Rapid and powerful cooling: Optimised for truck cabins or rear compartments, the cooling system is powerful and efficient (e.g., 12,000–15,000 BTU/h), quickly lowering high-temperature compartments to safe temperatures and maintaining them steadily.

Ultra-quiet operation: DC inverter technology provides a quiet experience, avoiding startling your dog or attracting unnecessary attention from passersby due to noise.

Flexible and convenient installation (especially split-type):

Compact indoor unit: Can be flexibly installed in the corner of the cab, under the seat, or in a suitable location in the cargo area without occupying main space.

Lightweight outdoor unit: Compact design, easy to mount on the side of the truck bed, above the toolbox, or on the chassis.

Designed specifically for vehicles: Shock-resistant and weather-resistant, suitable for truck driving environments.

Pet safety guardian: This is not just an air conditioner; it is an essential device for safeguarding the life safety of your furry friends. It allows you to step out of the vehicle with peace of mind, without worrying about your dog's health and safety.

Imagine this: On a scorching summer day, you need to quickly run into a supermarket for 15 minutes. Activate this system, set the safe temperature, lock the vehicle, and leave. The interior remains cool and comfortable, with your dog resting quietly, completely free from the threat of high temperatures. This sense of security is unmatched by any ‘DIY’ solution.

For your safety and peace of mind, we strongly recommend considering this professional in-vehicle temperature control solution.

Want to learn more about this DC inverter air conditioner specifically designed for truck and pet safety, including power consumption details, installation cases, or get configuration recommendations for your truck model?

Visit our product page immediately: https://www.rvacunit.com/product-category/rv-ac-unit/

Or message me directly: I’m more than happy to answer your questions and provide free professional consultation.

Safety is no small matter, especially when it comes to the lives of our furry friends. Investing in a reliable temperature control system is the most responsible way to show your love for them!
 

dochawk

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[I'm not restarting an old thread; it seems that a spam post already did that. Hopefully it's been deleted by the time you read this.]

Make a sign saying the dog is chilling in the AC and not to break your windows to 'rescue' it
I'd take it a step farther and add a thermometer to show the internal temperature. And possibly a note to please break window IF the temperature has exceeded XX degrees.


life is simple after 34 years with the same wife 🤐
err, don't leave here in a locked car, either!
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MakinDoForNow

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I don't have a dog, cat, gerbil, hamster, cat, orangutan or any pets, life is simple after 34 years with the same wife 🤐
I'm almost through month six of year 56 with FIRST "KEEPER" WIFE!. She is. Sleeping through power outage on day 8 after the electric company switch over to a higher voltage service "improvement". Also 3 days ago my neighbor, who is off grid, with 35-40 panels got notice in mail of new proposed 765kw Transmission line which will cross her property, go figure! I did get the text that my home was experiencing a power outage about 3-4 minutes after the lights went out. Good to know that part of system that said 227 meters has lost power and crew had been dispatched is working.
 
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Kingfish

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[I'm not restarting an old thread; it seems that a spam post already did that. Hopefully it's been deleted by the time you read this.]



I'd take it a step farther and add a thermometer to show the internal temperature. And possibly a note to please break window IF the temperature has exceeded XX degrees.




err, don't leave here in a locked car, either!
🤪
I like the idea of showing the temp. Thanks for adding it!

On the surface, all this can seem a little much just to be able to walk in a store for 10 minutes. But it is a very frequent need. This setup lets me take doggo many more places with way less worry.
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