Did you know that February 22nd is Walk Your Dog Day? Of course, for many of us, every day is Walk The Dog Day. Regular walks are actually very good for Fido! They help keep him active, and also provide him with mental stimulation, which will help prevent doggy boredom. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a local Savannah, GA vet discusses walking the dog.

Fido’s Exercise Needs

All of our canine buddies need some sort of activity to stay healthy. However, Fido’s specific exercise needs will depend on his age, weight, breed, and health. Some pooches will need a few vigorous walks a day, as well as lots of playtime, while a short stroll may be enough for others. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Gear

Make sure that both you and Fido are appropriately attired for your strolls. Plain dog collars aren’t necessarily right for every pup: some pooches, such as brachycephalic dogs and little breeds, do better in harnesses, while others, like Greyhounds, may need special collars. Ask your vet for recommendations. As for you, wear comfy shoes or sneakers with a good tread. You may want to designate a specific jacket for dog walking. Keep the pockets filled with necessities such as waste baggies, portable phone chargers, earbuds and MP3 players, treats, and a flashlight.

Safety

Always put safety first and foremost. Keep your pooch away from bodies of water where gators or snakes could be lurking. At night, stick to well-lit, familiar routes. If you are walking alongside a road, keep your furry pal to the outside: Fido has a shorter profile, and will be harder for drivers to spot.

Paw Care

Fido can get painful paw burns by walking or running on hot or abrasive surfaces. Try to keep your canine friend on soft grass as much as possible, especially in summer. Paw balm can also help protect those furry feet.

Training

Make sure that your four-legged pal knows basic doggy obedience commands. Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down are the most important ones. This training can keep your furry buddy from approaching dangerous areas or strange animals, and can help you call Fido back if he ever gets loose. Please contact us here at Westside Animal Hospital, your local Savannah, GA animal clinic, with any questions about your dog’s health, care, or diet. We are here to help!