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Walking Your Dog | Lapel Animal Clinic

March 31, 2020
Does your dog do a silly happy dance to let you know he needs a walk? Our canine pals of course need to go outdoors regularly for sanitary purposes. However, those daily strolls are important for other reasons as well. Read on as a Lapel, IN veterinarian discusses walking Fido. 

Benefits

Proper activity is just as important for pets as it is for people. Regular walks are a great way for Fido to get his exercise! He also gets to sniff some grass. Because dogs pick up a lot of information through scents, sniffing the neighbor’s yard is actually great for your pet’s mental and emotional well-being. Walks also offer both you and your pooch a change of scenery, and the chance to enjoy some fresh air and sunlight. This is good for both of you, and can be a great stress reliever.

Training

Does your canine companion have a habit of jerking on the leash? Every time Fido pulls, immediately change direction. Sooner or later, your pup will get tired of constantly turning around. Also, make sure your pooch knows basic doggy obedience commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down.

Safety

Always put your furry friend’s safety first. When walking on the side of a road, keep Fido to the outside. This will help keep him further away from traffic. We also advise walking towards, not away from, oncoming cars, so you know what’s coming towards you. If you like to wear earbuds when walking your dog, keep the volume low enough to hear what’s happening around you. Finally, take some extra precautions when taking Fido out at night. Stick to brightly-lit, safe areas, take a phone and flashlight with you, and don’t stay out longer than necessary.

Paws

Don’t forget that Fido is running around bare-pawed! Your canine buddy can get painful burns and abrasions running on hot or harsh surfaces. In winter, snow, salt, sand, and ice can all damage your pup’s feet. Use paw balm or wax to protect your dog’s furry feet. Also, keep an eye on the ground, and steer him around things like broken glass. Finally, be sure to wear shoes or boots with good tread for yourself, so you don’t slip and fall.

Please reach out to us, your local Lapel, IN vet clinic, for all of your pup’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!