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You may want to think twice about putting a dog in bed — the bed of a pickup truck, that is. If you do, summer heat, wind and poor restraints can not only harm your pooch, but could also hit your pocketbook as well.

Without a liner, the beds of many trucks get hot enough to fry an egg.

“In the summer we really worry about dog’s paws because a pickup bed can literally burn them,” says Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a veterinarian at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.

“Could you stand barefooted in the back of your truck on a bright, sunny day?” Beaver asks. She likes to give pet owners an analogy using people. Just as our feet would start to blister from the hot metal within seconds, a dog’s paws are at the same risk.

Dog’s paws are not the only concern. Debris from the wind can cause major damage to Rover’s eyes and nose, she says. Beaver notes that although the pressure from the wind does not usually cause problems, it’s the small sticks, pebbles and acorns that are the most common emergency.

The way dogs are restrained can also be dangerous. Beaver recalls one tragic incident where the owner risked having his dog in the back. Although the owner tried to take caution by restricting the dog with a rope, too much slack was given.

“We’ve seen people driving down the road literally dragging their dog because it had enough length of the rope to jump out of the truck, but could just barely reach the ground,” she states. Beaver says that if you insist on putting Rover in the back, make sure the rope is short enough so he cannot reach the sides or tailgate.

Before you even consider throwing your dog in the back, you might want to consider the penalties. Although there are currently no national or state laws prohibiting dogs in pickup trucks, many local governments are taking their time to save dog’s lives.

Beaver says it’s best to check with your city or county officials to see what their policies are before you find yourself paying a hefty fine.

Between potential veterinary bills and penalties, Beaver says the best alternative is to leave the dog at home. However, if it must tag along, the safest way to travel with your pup is with him inside the vehicle.

It depends on how active Rover is as to whether a cage is needed. If your pet is very energetic, placing a cage in the backseat keeps the dog from distracting the driver and running all over the car. Some calmer dogs are content with just laying on the floor board or backseat and watching the scenery go by.

“We still don’t have a good restraint for traveling with cats or dogs,” Beaver explains. “There is still a risk of the dog being thrown around the cab or cage if a sudden stop is made or a wreck occurs.”

Next time you are road-tripping with your furry friend, keep in mind what the experts say: He’s man’s best friend, so consider his safety before quickly throwing him in the back of a pickup.