The AVMA has released a backgrounder cautioning against transporting dogs in truck beds because the animals are at risk of severe injury.

Similar to injuries resulting from vehicular strikes, truck bed-related injuries for dogs tend to be severe and multiple and to include fractures and abrasions, according to the backgrounder prepared by the AVMA Animal Welfare Division.

Alternatives to unsecured truck bed travel are suggested in the backgrounder, which notes that many states have outlawed traveling with dogs in the truck bed or require that the animals be secured.

The backgrounder, "Welfare implications of dogs traveling in trucks beds," is available at www.avma.org; go to Animal Welfare in the Issues section of the site, then click on Backgrounders.