Exercise is important for your dog's health, so making sure their walking routine is safe and effective is key. Especially if you live in an urban environment, dog walking needs to be planned and owners need to be alert during the process. Here are four tips to help keep your dog healthy and happy on walks around the neighborhood and beyond.
1. Keep a Short Leash When You Need it
Depending on what you might encounter on your walk, having full control over your dog is important. If you can invest in a leash that can self-retract, you can have more ability to rein in your dog. This can help if there are possibly aggressive dogs in your path or individuals that your dog might run up to inadvertently. Smaller dogs might need a harness as well to keep them safe and easy to pick up if needed.
2. Watch out for Waste Your Dog Might Get Into
It is up to owners to stay vigilant on dog walks to make sure your pet doesn't get into anything they shouldn't, such as waste or old food. Sometimes dogs can be quick to taste things they shouldn't on the sidewalk and you might not be sure what they swallowed. If you are worried about something your dog may have ingested, get them in for emergency veterinary care just in case.
3. Socialization and Practice is Key
If your dog is new to you or is a puppy, they might not know what you expect from them on dog walks. Bad behaviors such as pulling or biting their leash are common behaviors that dogs might have that you can retrain. If your dog is scared of other dogs, they will look to you to be confident on walks. Getting dogs accustomed to sights and smells outside might be best on less-traveled paths at first so your dog can get their bearings.
4. Bring Along Water and Treats
If you are planning on taking your dog along with you for errands or even a hike, don't forget their needs. Bring along snacks and a pop-up watering bowl so that your dog is equipped to refuel and hydrate at any moment. Your dog is counting on you to keep their health needs in mind when you are away from the home together.
Walking your dog is a great bonding experience and gets them the exercise and socialization that they need. There is some preparation you can do to ensure that your dog stays healthy on walks. If you have any questions on the age and capacity of your dog's walking ability, visit your veterinarian first for a clean bill of health. Contact a business, such as an Animal Emergency Clinic, for more information.
