What to look out for when walking your dog in public

Whether your pooch prefers long walks in the park or a stroll along your street, exercise is an essential part of their routine. Not only is it good for them physically, but it may also increase happiness levels, too, as they get one-on-one time to bond with you.

But unexpected hazards may occur during this period, making it absolutely essential for you to keep an eye out for any dangers to you or your pup. We’ve outlined some of the most prominent dangers you both may face on your walk.

1. Litter 

It is in a dog's nature to hunt and scavenge, so don’t be surprised if they begin pulling you towards a particular area of the sidewalk! From illegal substances to unidentifiable scraps of what once was a hearty fast food meal, you truly cannot predict the kind of trash you may encounter on your walk. But, as long as you remain cautious about your surroundings, you should be fine. 

2. Sidewalk temperature

You wouldn’t like it if you were forced to walk barefoot across too hot (or equally too cold) ground, so why risk putting your dog through it? Dogs are sensitive and far more susceptible to the heat than a human. Aside from all-over sunburn, you also need to watch out for their sensitive paw pads which can burn dramatically in the hot weather. To prevent discomfort, you should take your dog out early in the morning and in the evening when the sun isn’t as intense. 

3. Other dogs

It’s absolutely vital that you look out for unleashed dogs while walking your dog. While some dogs may actually be very friendly and harmless, approaching them isn’t worth the risk to you or your furry friend. Instead, you should approach with caution and assume that the other dog may be aggressive toward others - just to be on the safe side. Remain alert, and simply turn the other way if you spot an unleashed dog approaching you. You should also take care to do this if your own dog is demonstrating signs of discomfort. 

4. Dog poop

Responsible owners will always pick up after their pet. Unfortunately, not everyone extends the same courtesy! Because of this, dog poop may be found in random locations dotted along your walking route (in abandoned poop bags or simply left out in the open). Aside from its grizzly appearance, dog poop is also highly appealing to dogs - especially if they already consider it an acceptable treat for consumption. You should be on the lookout for feces at the side of the road, so you can gently guide your dog away from the contaminated area.

5. Bodies of water

Your pet may think that ponds, puddles, and creeks are a convenient way to satisfy their thirst. However, it is strongly advised that you remove your dog from the general area if they begin to drink from stagnant water. It may seem a little extreme, but there is a valid reason as to why you should do this! These bodies of water could potentially be home to parasites, bacterial diseases, or even harmful chemicals that may hurt your dog if ingested. 

We aren’t saying that water is bad if your pet fancies a little splash, but they should not be drinking from these unclean water sources. If you can, ensure you have a bottle of clean water on you at all times on your walk, so your pet doesn’t have to suffer with their thirst. 

6. Wild animals

The threat of wild animals to your pet depends entirely on the area in which you live. You could encounter any sort of creature on your walk, ranging from squirrels to bears to foxes, so respecting and keeping an eye out for the habitat of local wildlife is a must. And, though your dog may become excited if they spot wildlife creeping through nature, you need to keep a tight leash to prevent them from acting on their instincts. This will keep you, your dog, and the wildlife safe.

Small dogs are easy prey for some predators. If your dog is on the smaller side, you may want to invest in a protective coat or vest to deter attacks while adding a protective layer in case your pet is bitten by another animal.

These are several key things to look out for when walking your dog. Though some of them may seem like sheer common sense, it is absolutely vital that you remain vigilant of your surroundings at all times to ensure the safety of you and your pet. 

Visit https://www.thepuppymag.com/ for more helpful tips and information about your pet!