One of Fido’s favorite holidays is coming up. February 22^nd is Walk Your Dog Day! Those daily strolls aren’t just important for sanitary reasons. They’re great for your pet, both physically and mentally. Read on as a Plano, TX vet offers some tips on walking your canine buddy.

Training

Make sure that your pup knows basic commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. This isn’t just a matter of petiquette: it’s also crucial for safety reasons. You want to be sure that you can always call Fido back to you if you drop the leash. (Tip: if your pooch tries to pull you behind him, break that habit by changing direction whenever he jerks on the leash. Training will get tiresome … but that’s how it works.)

Gear

Fido should have a sturdy leash and a comfortable collar or harness. Retractable leashes can be great, but they really aren’t safe in every situation. If the mechanism jams, your furry pal could veer into traffic, or get entangled with another dog. Use these only in safe, open spaces.

Night Walks

You’ll need to take a few extra precautions when walking your canine companion at night. Bring a phone and flashlight with you, and keep a close eye on the ground. Take care to avoid stepping on snakes or other hazards. We also recommend keeping night walks short and sweet, and sticking to well-lit, safe areas.

Traffic

When you walk along the side of a road, keep your four-legged friend on the outside. He’s shorter, and will be harder for drivers to spot, especially coming around corners. Also, don’t let Fido get ahead of you when you are crossing driveways or intersections.

Clothing

You may want to dedicate a jacket or bag to walking your dog. Keep it stocked with things like treats, spare keys, waste baggies, and anything else you may need. That way, you only have to grab one thing on your way out. Also, wear shoes or boots with good tread, so you don’t slip and fall.

Summer

Dogs can overheat very quickly in hot weather. In summer, try to limit your pet’s outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day. Walk Fido in the mornings and evenings, when it’s cooler out. Please contact us, your Plano, TX vet clinic, for all of your pup’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!