The 23rd is Walking The Dog Day! Does your dog get excited when you pick up his leash? Perhaps Fido lets you know when he needs to go out, maybe by jumping or whining a bit. Those daily strolls are of course necessary for sanitary reasons, but they also provide exercise, stimulation, and a much-needed change of scenery. A Wichita, KS vet discusses walking your pup below.

Benefits Of Walking

You’ve probably noticed that Fido wants to literally sniff everything on his walks. That stimulation is actually very important for him. Dogs pick up a lot of information about their surroundings through scents. By sniffing around that tree, your pooch will know what animals have been by, how long ago. He may even be able to tell their age, sex, health, and diet! Think of this as your pup’s version of scrolling social media or reading a newspaper. It’s also a great reminder to stop and smell the roses.

Safety

Safety should always come first and foremost when it comes to caring for our canine companions. Training is key here. Fido should know and obey simple commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, and Heel. Leave It is also a good one. Make sure you have a good leash, one that won’t snap or break. Retractable leashes are very popular, and while they do have their benefits, there are some potential dangers. Be careful using them in areas that could be dangerous, such as near roads or riverbanks, or around other dogs Fido could get tangled up with. It’s also important to wear footwear with good tread. At night, choose reflective gear and/or clothing, and stick to safe, well-lit spots.

Hack Your Walk

Want to make the most of your dog walking time? Put those steps to use! Smartphone users may be interested in trying out Wooftrax, an app that donates to animal charities on your behalf, with amounts based on how far you go. Or, use the time to listen to educational or thought-provoking podcasts. Just don’t turn the volume up too high: you need to hear horns, brakes, and other warning sounds. You may also want to designate a bag or jacket for walking Fido. Keep the pockets filled with things like treats, waste baggies, and spare keys.

Is your canine pal due for an appointment? Contact us, your Wichita, KS animal clinic, today!