Keeping Your Dog Safe During Walks

It’s a thrill to walk your dog! While walking, your dog will love discovering new sights, noises, and scents. But, keeping your dog safe during walks is essential! Some canines react with extreme excitement when they encounter something intriguing and novel. They disregard protocol and approach the intriguing dog, human, bird, squirrel, etc., without waiting their turn.

While you should be able to manage your dog using a leash, it’s a good idea to have voice instructions as a backup method of control. When you speak, your dog should pay attention! When he is summoned, he should sit, remain, or come. Therefore, review (or teach) the fundamentals of obedience before starting a hike.

When your dog sees her leash, she gets excited and starts dancing about until the door opens and she can go for her daily walk. It could even rank among her day’s highlights. The typical dog owner walks their pets for 300 minutes a week.

Dogs benefit from these walks in more ways than merely getting a chance to stretch their legs. Walking provides social interaction, cerebral stimulation, and exercise.  Follow these safety recommendations whether you walk the same circuit in your neighborhood every day or lace up your shoes and let your dog explore new paths on the weekends.

Checking Your Dog’s Health

Taking care of your dog’s health and well-being is extremely important, especially when it comes to starting a regular dog walking routine. Before you hit the sidewalks or trails, it’s important to prioritize your furry friend’s physical condition by scheduling a comprehensive physical exam with your veterinarian. This exam is a preventive measure that helps assess your dog’s overall health, identify any underlying issues, and receive personalized recommendations for safe and enjoyable walks.

Here’s why a physical exam is so important before you begin dog walking:

1. Detecting hidden health issues: Just like humans, dogs can have underlying health conditions that may not be obvious at first. A physical exam allows the veterinarian to carefully check for signs of illness, discomfort, or abnormalities. By catching these issues early on, you can address them promptly and prevent potential problems during walks.
2. Evaluating fitness level: During the exam, the veterinarian will assess your doggie’s overall fitness, including their cardiovascular health, joint function, and muscle strength. This evaluation helps determine the appropriate duration, intensity, and type of exercise that suits your dog’s individual needs.
3. Managing existing injuries or conditions: If your dog has a history of injuries or ongoing medical conditions, discussing them during the physical exam is important. The veterinarian can provide guidance on how to manage these conditions during walks, suggest necessary precautions, or recommend modifications to ensure your dog’s safety.
4. Ensuring vaccination and preventive care: The physical exam allows the veterinarian to review your dog’s vaccination records and ensure they are up to date. Vaccinations protect your dog from contagious diseases they may encounter while outdoors. Additionally, the veterinarian can discuss preventive measures for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other common parasites found in outdoor environments.
5. Personalized recommendations: Every dog is unique, and their exercise needs can vary based on factors such as breed, age, weight, and overall health. By conducting a physical exam, the veterinarian can provide personalized recommendations for your dog’s walking routine. This includes advice on the appropriate duration, frequency, and intensity of walks. They can also guide you on warm-up exercises, cool-down techniques, and stretches to help prevent injuries.
6. Building a strong relationship with your veterinarian: Regular visits to the veterinarian are crucial for your dog’s overall health. Scheduling a physical exam before starting dog walking demonstrates your commitment to your dog’s well-being and helps establish a trusting partnership with your veterinarian. It opens the door for ongoing communication and support regarding your dog’s healthcare needs.

Remember, the physical exam is not a one-time event. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are essential to monitor your dog’s health and make necessary adjustments to their exercise routine as they age or if new health concerns arise. By prioritizing a comprehensive physical exam before you begin dog walking, you can ensure that your furry friend stays healthy, safe, and happy during their outdoor adventures.

Some Recommendations to Keeping Your Dog Safe During Walks

1.      Things to Consider Before the Walk

Your dog might not be trained to use a leash. Puppies need to be taught how to walk while being held by a leash, and some rescue dogs may not have had much exposure to the pleasures of going for daily walks. Giving your dog some leash training before to a walk will help prepare them for success while you’re on the road.

Not every dog enjoys taking lengthy walks. Ask your vet whether your dog is ready to go for walks, if your senior dog can still keep up with the group, and if there are any medical concerns that may make your dog’s regular walking routine dangerous. Once your dog has mastered proper leash behavior and the vet has given the all-clear, it’s time to go exploring.

2.      ID your Dog

Before taking your dog for a nighttime stroll, make sure that they can be easily identifiable in case they get lost. The last thing you want to happen is to lose your dog in the night and then be unable to find them again. An ID tag on the dog’s collar with their name and your phone number plainly visible and a canine microchip implanted by a veterinary practitioner with current contact information in the microchip database are examples of proper identification.

3.      Proper Exercise Equipment

It is crucial to have a strong leash that is 4-6 feet long coupled to a correctly fitting collar or harness in order to have real control over your dog. To prevent the leash from slipping out of your hand, wrap it around your palm. Retractable leashes ARE NOT the greatest constraint for exercising dogs; rather, they are designed to provide dogs a little bit more freedom and privacy when going for bathroom walks. Some pet owners let their pets go free from their leashes. This calls for controlled environment strolling with a well-behaved dog.

Many dog parks permit off-leash play, however restrictions may apply on walking trails, so always abide by the laws. A short leash is usually a good idea since it allows for an easy retreat in the event that something unwelcome, such a loose dog, porcupine, skunk, or other animals, approaches you.

4.      Consider the Weather

Even while dogs may need to go outdoors to relieve themselves in the rain, sleet, heat, snow, or at night, not all-weather conditions are suitable for extended walks. While taking your dog for frequent walks is important, it’s a good idea to shorten such outings when the weather is very bad. You may combine your walks with some enjoyable inside activities to ensure that your dog gets the regular exercise they need.

Avoid walking your during the hottest part of the day. Your dog’s pads on the bottom of his feet are not made to withstand the heat from asphalt and concrete. I see so many people in my area walking their dog during the hottest part of the day and it drives me crazy! You are responsible for your dog and avoiding this type of situation will benefit both you and your dog.

Dogs might stumble on the ice in the winter and get hurt. It’s crucial to offer protection (such booties) and clean their paws with a warm towel after a stroll since the chemicals in ice melt might also cause burns. Dogs can become overheated in the summer and experience heat stroke or exhaustion.

💡 Heat Safety Tip: Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day, typically late morning to early evening. Opt for early morning or late evening walks when temperatures are cooler. Dogs are susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Pay attention to signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and difficulty walking. Keep your dog hydrated and provide frequent shade breaks during walks. Be mindful of hot pavement, as it can burn your dog's paws. Prioritize your dog's safety and well-being in hot weather conditions. 💡

5.      Use the Right Leash

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for leashes. But the leash needs to be between one and two meters long and solid. A shorter leash may be preferable at first while training your dog to keep them near and secure. A leash that you may wrap over your wrist might be safer and save hand fatigue on lengthy walks. We don’t often recommend using retractable leashes since they are less reliable and can be dangerous in crowded settings because your dog can quickly wander further away from you. However, they may be appropriate for brief bathroom breaks. Before you locate the ideal leash, you might need to test out a few different options.

6.      Make Sure Your Dog Is Vaccinated

A sick dog frequently leaves behind contagious traces wherever they go. Parvo and canine distemper are two of the deadliest insects that may persist without a new host for a while. While the second cannot be cured, the first is particularly fatal to young dogs. Because of brain injury, survivors frequently have disabilities. Fortunately, immunizations can protect against both illnesses. Although some pet owners dislike the idea of immunizing their animals, it is necessary if you wish to walk your dog in an area where there are other dogs, such as a park or the beach.

7.      Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for both you and your dog, especially in warmer weather when heatstroke is a severe concern. If you know you’ll be taking your dog for a longer walk, always bring water for both of you, or a bowl if your dog isn’t used to drinking from a bottle. Water bottles designed specifically for dogs make it simple for both the owner and the dog.

8.      Be Aware of Traffic

The main threat that is constantly present for pet owners who live in cities is traffic. Although there is no official data on how many dogs are struck by automobiles, we do know that there have been numerous incidents, and data on all animals in the U.S. shows that autos are the leading cause of death. Your dog might get struck by a car if you aren’t paying attention for even a short period of time.

9.      Choose a Quiet Route

Being safe is preferable to being sorry. Take your dog for a stroll around the neighborhood or to a nearby dog park where he may run about and play without being restrained by a leash or harness. Avoid walking your dog near crowded, noisy, and congested areas that might frighten or stress him out. Before taking your dog along, exploring new roads and walking alone is preferable to becoming comfortable with the region.

10.  Check those Tootsies

It is a good idea to examine your dog’s paws after a stroll. Look for bruises, wounds, and foreign objects such as cockleburs or splinters. Wipe your dog’s feet with a warm, moist towel if you walk on the sand or in the snow. Thoroughly clean the area between the toes and the foot pads. Check for any unwanted hitchhikers (ticks and fleas) you could have picked up on your stroll while you’re at it. Check for ticks in the ears and between the toes. Look beneath the belly and above the tail for fleas. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the appropriate preventative for your dog if you live in a flea- or tick-infested region.

11.  Take Breaks When Needed

On longer walks, it’s a good idea to stop for a little rest even if your dog still seems to have plenty of energy. Even though our animal friends cannot vocally express their emotions, common physical symptoms of heat exhaustion include profuse drooling and clumsy movements. Bring a portable water bowl with you and hunt for shade during your breaks to help lower your risk of heat exhaustion. When taking your puppy on its first stroll, it’s crucial to start out small and progressively lengthen each excursion.

What to Do if Your Dog Gets Hurt

Even the finest safety measures don’t always work to fend off sickness and accidents. Purchase a little first aid kit that includes hydrogen peroxide spray, self-adhesive vet tape, blood stop powder, and antiseptic wipes to treat any cuts or scratches you might get while walking. Some kits are compact enough to attach to your dog’s leash.

Adding the phone number of the closest 24-hour emergency veterinary facility on your phone is another smart move. The professionals on the other end of the phone can offer guidance on what to do if your dog inadvertently ingests something while you’re out walking or suffers a more serious injury. You may guarantee that you return safely from your regular stroll by taking a few measures before leaving.   

For more information on dog walking, please read and enjoy Proper Dog Walking Etiquette in a Nice Neighborhood!