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Walk Your Dog Week

October 1, 2019

Walk Your Dog Week starts today, October 1st! We know, for many of you, every week is Walk Your Dog Week. However, it’s important to realize that daily walks are crucial to your furry friend’s health and well-being, and not just for sanitary purposes. A Washington DC vet discusses walking Fido below.

Benefits

Walks benefit your pet in several ways. For one thing, they provide Fido with regular exercise. Although some pooches need more activity than just a walk, daily walks are definitely a good start. They also give your dog a chance to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, and give him a change of scenery. Of course, your canine pal also gets to sniff some grass. That may not seem particularly crucial, but these things all offer dogs beneficial mental stimulation, which is very important to their health and well-being. A good walk can also help your pup burn off some excess energy. This can really help curb bad behaviors, such as digging and chewing. Last but not least, it’s a great way to spend time with your furry BFF!

Fido’s Walking Schedule

As much as possible, you’ll want to keep Fido on a steady schedule for his walks. If you leave your pet alone while you go to work, try to give him a good, long walk in the morning. If you can tire your furry pal out a bit, he’ll probably spend a chunk of the day napping. This will make his alone time pass faster. Of course, some dogs need more walks than others do. Puppies, for instance, can only hold it for so long. The rule of thumb is about an hour for each month of age. Senior dogs, on the other hand, can become incontinent. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Safety

There are a few things to keep in mind when walking Fido. Always wear boots or sneakers with a good tread, so you don’t slip and fall. As for Fido, make sure he has a sturdy leash, one that won’t snap if he pulls. If you want to wear earbuds, keep the volume low enough so that you can hear what’s going on around you. Last but not least, keep after-dark walks short and sweet.

Please contact us, your local Washington DC vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about walking your dog. We’re here to help!

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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