The first week of October is Walk Your Dog Week. This is a great time of year to enjoy a nice long walk with Fido! A Carolina Forest, SC vet discusses walking the dog below.
Benefits of Daily Walks
Fido’s daily walks are of course necessary for sanitary purposes, especially for those who don’t have a yard. However, they’re also very good for him. Regular walks will help keep your four-legged pal in good physical shape, and can help keep him from becoming obese. The change of scenery will also give your dog beneficial mental stimulation, which is great for his mind. Plus, the activity will help your pup burn off any excess energy, leaving him calmer and better behaved.
Safety Tips
Always put safety first. When walking along the side of a road, stay to the inside, and keep Fido to the outside. Dogs don’t have very high profiles, and can be hard for drivers to spot, especially around curves. Make sure your furry friend has a good leash, one that won’t snap if he lunges for the neighbor’s cat. Proper training is another must. All dogs should know basic commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Also, if you bring earbuds to listen to music while walking your canine buddy, keep the volume low, so you can still hear what’s going on around you. Last but not least, take extra care when walking Fido at night. Stick to well-lit, familiar routes, and keep after-dark excursions short and sweet.
Hacks
When it comes to walking our canine pals, we have a few tricks up our sleeve. You may want to set aside a specific bag or jacket for walking your furry buddy. Keep the pockets or compartments filled with treats, waste baggies, a flashlight, spare keys, a portable phone charger, and anything else you may need. You’ll only have one thing to grab on your way out the door. You may also want to keep a similar bag for Fido in your trunk. This one should also include copies of your pet’s paperwork, a few gallons of water, and collapsible doggy dishes. That way, if you decide to take your pup to a park, you’re all set to go! Please reach out to us, your local Carolina Forest, SC vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
