The first week of October is Walk your Dog Week. Those daily walks are important for sanitary reasons, but they are also very beneficial to dogs. They offer your canine buddy exercise, and give him a chance to enjoy a change of scenery, which provides mental stimulation. Just be sure to keep your pup safe. Read on as a local Greater Cincinnati vet offers some tips on walking your furry best friend.
When walking your four-legged pal, keep a close eye on the ground. Steer Fido around things like broken glass and other potential dangers. You’ll also want to wear shoes or boots with good tread.
Retractable leashes are very popular, and it isn’t hard to see why. They allow dogs a bit more freedom to roam (and sniff bushes) while keeping them under control. However, these can be dangerous in certain situations. We don’t recommend using them around other dogs, as Fido could get tangled up with another pooch. They’re also not safe around spots that could be treacherous, like busy streets or steep inclines.
Does your canine companion know basic doggy commands like Sit, Stay, Come, and Heel? Those daily walks are a great chance to work on or reinforce his training. Remember to bring treats along with you, so you can reward your pooch for learning.
Do you often find yourself running around, trying to gather a bunch of different things, while your pup bounces and whines for you to hurry up? Designate a specific bag or jacket for Fido’s walks. Keep this stocked with things you may need, like waste baggies, a phone charger, gloves, earbuds, and keys.
Always put safety first. If you’re walking on the side of the road, keep Fido to the outside. He’s shorter, so he’ll be harder for drivers to see. If you listen to earbuds, don’t turn the volume up too high. You want to be aware of things like car horns and squealing breaks. Finally, keep night walks short and sweet.
Fall is a perfect time for taking a long stroll with your furry pal! Grab a coffee and take Fido to your favorite trail or park to soak up some of that crisp autumn weather!
As your Greater Cincinnati vet clinic, we’re dedicated to offering great veterinary care. Please feel free to contact us anytime!
