Walk Your Dog Week starts today, October 1st! This is definitely is a perfect time of year for long walks. You and your canine pal can both enjoy that beautiful foliage and crisp, cool air. Read on as a local Lexington, KY vet offers some tips on walking Fido.

Precautions

Dogs are both curious and playful. They also tend to be slightly obsessed with chasing squirrels. Even if Fido is well trained, it’s best to play it safe. Keep your canine buddy on a leash, and don’t let him charge into spots that could be housing wild animals. Pooches should also be microchipped, wearing proper ID tags, and kept current on his vaccines and parasite control.

Paw Protection

Fido’s paw pads can really take a beating on harsh surfaces. Use paw balm or wax to protect his feet. It’s also important to keep his nails clipped. Otherwise, they may snag and tear on things. Ouch!

Gear

Choosing the right gear is half the battle. If you have a brachycephalic dog, a small pup, a senior dog, or a pooch with a big neck and a little head, you will probably be better off getting a harness, rather than a collar. As for leashes, just choose one that is sturdy and won’t snap. Retractable leashes can be a great way to give your four-legged pal some extra freedom while still keeping control of him. Just keep in mind that these can be dangerous in certain situations, such as near roads, riverbanks, or steep drop-offs. Finally, be sure to wear shoes, boots, or sneakers with good traction.

Water

Overheating isn’t as big of an issue in fall as it is in winter, but Fido can still get hot and thirsty on a long hike. Get a portable doggy water bottle with an attached dispenser. Take some plastic waste baggies with you as well. You can get backpacks or waist pouches made just for walking dogs. Some of these come with clips for leashes, water bottles, and waste baggies. These are great for hikes!

Take Some Photos

The average smartphone now has a great camera. Snap some pictures of Fido enjoying those autumn walks. The gorgeous foliage and sunlight can make for some great shots of your furry best friend! As your local Lexington, KY animal clinic, we are here to help! Please feel free to contact us anytime!