Walk Your Dog Week is the first week of October! Walking your canine pal regularly is one of the best things you can do to keep him healthy and happy. While those daily strolls are often a necessity for sanitary reasons, they also help keep Fido happy and healthy. An Ellicott City, MD vet discusses walking your dog in this article.
Exercise
Exercise is just as important for Fido as it is for us. Your furry friend needs regular activity to keep his bones and muscles strong. That said, it’s important to understand that every pup has unique exercise requirements. Some need up to an hour of vigorous exercise daily, while for others, a short stroll along the block may suffice. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Stimulation
As you may know, our canine companions can gather a lot of information by smelling things. For Fido, sniffing the neighbor’s lawn is almost like reading a newspaper! He’ll be able to know what people and animals have been there, and can even tell certain things about them, such as age, sex, and health. This is great at keeping your pet from getting bored. Doggy boredom is often a factor in bad behaviors, such as digging and chewing, so this is very important!
Bonding
Our canine buddies are amazing friends and companions. Fido’s love and loyalty are very special gifts. That bond has to be nurtured, however. Walking your pooch daily is a great way for you to spend some quality time with him. You may find that you enjoy these walks just as much as he does! It’s also a great way for you to get some fresh air and exercise, and just unwind a bit after a long day.
Tips
Always put your pet’s safety first. Make sure Fido knows basic doggy obedience commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Also, if you are walking on the side of a road, stay to the inside, between your dog and oncoming traffic, as he will be harder for drivers to see. This can also keep your pup from veering out into the road! Safety is also important for night walks. Keep nighttime ventures short and sweet, and stick to safe, well-lit paths.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Call us! As your Ellicott City, MD pet clinic, we’re happy to help!
