Dog Walking Hacks

Did you know that the first week of October is Walk Your Dog Week? We all know how much our canine buddies love to get out and enjoy some fresh air. In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, you’ll learn some great hacks to making your doggy-walking routine a little easier.

Pick a specific jacket to wear when walking Fido. (Tip: choose one with reflective stripes, so you’ll be safer walking at night.) Keep the requisite supplies—waste baggies, spare keys, a flashlight, earbuds, and treats—in the pockets. That way, you’ll only have to grab your jacket when your furry pal starts doing the ‘Walk Me Now’ dance. We also recommend keeping a doggy bag in the car. This should contain everything we just mentioned, plus a water bottle, dishes, and copies of your pup’s paperwork. If you suddenly decide to bring Fido to the park, you’re all ready to go!

Does Fido sometimes haul you along? Break this bad habit by changing direction every time your canine buddy jerks on your arm. Training may be a little tiresome, but it will be well worth the effort!

Dogs fill our lives and homes with love, laughter, and unconditional friendship. However, they also tend to fill our homes with dirt. Get a good doormat that attracts dust, and teach Fido to wipe his feet for a treat. You may also want to keep a washcloth and bottle of water near the door, so you can quickly wipe your pet’s paws off before bringing him back inside.

Clip a carabiner onto the end of Fido’s leash. This will make it really easy to tie your four-legged buddy up if you want to stop and talk to someone. (Note: never leave Fido unattended, even for just a few minutes.)

Walking Fido at night can be dangerous, so be sure to put safety first. Try to make after-dark strolls short and sweet, and stick to brightly-lit routes that you know. To help your pooch be more easily seen at night, wrap LED lights around his leash, or get him a reflective one that will show in the dark.

Do you have any questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us here at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas.