It’s Walk Your Dog Week! Of course, it may seem like every week is actually Walk Your Dog Week. Those daily strolls are very important to Fido’s health and well-being. They’re good for you, too! While taking your canine buddy out isn’t exactly rocket science, there are things to keep in mind. A Clarkesville, GA vet offers some insight on walking your furry best friend in this article.
Benefits Of Walking
If you don’t have a yard, then those daily walks are a must for sanitary reasons. Even if you do have a yard, Fido will still benefit from the exercise and stimulation those walks offer. That mental enrichment is very important. Dogs get a lot of information about the world through their cute noses, so giving your pup a chance to sniff the neighbor’s yard or that empty lot down the road is almost like giving him a newspaper. Walks are also good for training and bonding, and, of course, helping burn off zoomies.
Safety Tips
Always put your canine buddy’s safety first. If you’re walking on the side of a road, you’ll want to keep your dog to the outside. Move toward oncoming traffic, so you can see what’s coming, and don’t let your pup get ahead of you when crossing driveways or parking lot exits. If you’re listening to a podcast, keep the volume low enough so that you can hear things like squealing brakes or car horns. Last but not least, be aware of the terrain. Pay attention to where Fido is stepping, and steer him around things like broken glass or other hazards. It’s also best for you to wear shoes or boots with good tread. If you have a small dog, avoid spots where gators may be lurking.
Hacks
We do have a few tricks up our sleeves as well. Tie a carabiner onto the end of your canine companion’s leash. You may also want to get some GPS-equipped tags, particularly if your pooch is prone to bolting. Does Fido have a habit of yanking on his leash? Change direction whenever he does this. Sooner or later, he’ll realize that pulling doesn’t accomplish anything. You may also want to dedicate a bag or coat to walking your furry friend. Keep the pockets stuffed with things you may need, such as waste baggies, spare keys, and earbuds.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Clarkesville, GA animal clinic, today!
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