It’s Walk Your Dog Week! Of course, Fido needs to be walked every week, both for sanitary reasons and his health and well-being. Taking your canine companion out may be a run-of-the-mill thing, but you should still take certain precautions to keep you and your pup safe. A local Hope Hull, AL vet lists some of them in this article.
Leash
Be sure to choose a good, sturdy leash. Pick something that won’t snap if Fido pulls too hard. Retractable
leashes are great in some situations, as they offer dogs more freedom for sniffing and exploring. However, they can be dangerous in certain situations. Avoid using these on busy roads, or near areas with potential hazards, like riverbanks. You’ll also need to be very careful if you come across another dog: you don’t want your pooch getting tangled up.
Earbuds
Do you like to listen to music or podcasts when walking their dogs? Just don’t turn the volume up too high. It’s important for you to be able to hear things like horns, brakes, or barking dogs.
Night Walks
Take extra precautions when walking Fido at night. Bring a phone and flashlight with you, and stick to safe, well-lit areas. We’d also recommend keeping night walks short and sweet.
Training
If your canine buddy spots a squirrel and jerks the leash out of your hand, you want to be sure you can call him back to you. All dogs should know basic commands, such as Sit, Stay, and Come. If Fido hasn’t mastered doggy obedience yet, take time to finish his training. Heel is also important: you don’t want your four-legged buddy to get ahead of you when crossing driveways.
Paw Care
Don’t forget that Fido is running around barefoot … or bare-pawed. Pay attention to the terrain, and steer your furry friend around things like sharp rocks, broken glass, or other litter. In summer, keep your pet off hot surfaces as much as possible. (Tip: use wax or balm to protect your pup’s toe beans.)
Traffic
When walking along the side of a road, walk toward oncoming traffic, so you can see what’s coming. We’d also suggest keeping your canine pal to the outside, as he’s shorter and will be hard for drivers to see. This also helps keep him from wandering into the road.
As your Hope Hull, AL animal clinic, we’re dedicated to offering great veterinary care. Please feel free to contact us anytime.
