Walk Your Dog Week

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.

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!

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.

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!