Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital 2009 / The Simple Pleasures—and Responsibilities

The Simple Pleasures—and Responsibilities—of Walking your Dog

By Shannon M. Pecora, M.A.

Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital

We all know how important physical fitness is, so we know that we need to do some simple things, such as exercising and eating right. Those same guidelines hold true for our pets, and a health conscious family often makes time to take the dog for a nice long walk. Of course, this activity has many benefits, such as weight loss and the relaxation of time outdoors—for you and your pet. However, there are certain precautions you should take to make sure that those positives will always outweigh any possible negatives!

We may enjoy being outdoors, but that in itself can be dangerous this time of year. If you think a June afternoon can be uncomfortably warm, imagine enduring that heat and humidity under a thick, all-over coat of fur. So try to take your walks in the morning or evening, when the sun is not at its strongest. Also, try to limit the distance and time outside; instead of going for half-hour walks twice each day, try fifteen-minute walks four times. Then once you get home, make sure that you offer plenty of cool water—a good idea for you and your dog.

These walks will have their less-than-glamorous side, too. When your dog “does his business,” it is your responsibility to pick it up! Throughout the Broadlands community, you’ll find many “Poop Pick-up Stations,” complete with baggies and trashcans, so pet clean up shouldn’t be a problem. Aside from simply being gross, pet waste left out in the grass or on the sidewalks can transmit bacteria and parasites to people and animals. It’s also the law that you must clean up your pet’s waste! Therefore, it is important, for both courtesy and hygiene, to clean up after your dog. Pick up the poop so you don’t pick up a disease!

Since the kids are out of school for the summer, many families will have them share in the pet-walking responsibilities, too. This can certainly be helpful, as long as the dog has had enough training and the child (preferably an older, stronger teenager) has had enough experience to keep the situation under control. There are some busy roadways in our area, so no matter who walks the dog, a proper leash should always be used. Never walk your dog off a leash! For added control, you and your kids can try products such as harnesses or Gentle Leaders along with a sturdy, easy-to-grip leash.

If, however, your dog does manage to get away from you during a walk, you’ll have less to worry about if you’ve kept all of his vaccines current, in case he bites someone, is bitten by another animal, or is exposed to any diseases. Flea, tick, and heartworm preventives can help guard against parasitic infestations, too. And to make sure that your “stray” friend gets back home again, proper identification, such as name and address tags, county registration tags, and registered microchips are helpful, if not imperative.

So an activity that would seem simple and relaxing can have its hazards. Of course, those hazards are certainly preventable, as long as you take the right precautions. If you’re a responsible pet owner, then it can be easy for your entire family to stay healthy and happy!