Dogs love a good walk but some just don’t know when to quit!
Everyone knows taking your dog for a walk can provide a variety of benefits for both you and your dog. Dogs love going outside on a nice day just like we do and a good long walk can be a fun way to build a good relationship with your dog while simultaneously helping to ensure both of you are getting the exercise we all need. However, walking too far or too hard can facilitate some long-term health problems for our loving companions. Here’s a few things you should look out for:
1.Make Sure You Walk in Appropriate Weather:
Most Dogs love soaking up rays on a hot summer day, but Dogs can experience heat stroke very easily. To avoid heat stroke, you should make sure you should keep yourself and your dog hydrated, avoid leaving your dog in hot areas or in direct sunlight, and avoid vigorous exercise on days that are too hot. Some warning signs of heat stroke are heavy painting, staggered walking, dry gums, and thick saliva. If your dog experiences a heat stroke immediately remove them from heat, take some cool water (DO NOT USE ICE COLD WATER) and dab their paws and head. Offer your dog water but do not force it upon them and call your vet immediately.
2. Avoid Walking Long Distances on Concrete:
Usually, our dogs will follow us wherever we go, so it is our responsibility to ensure our dogs are in the best environment to maintain their good health. One problem most urban dog owners experience is a lack of grass or soft ground to walk their dogs on in the immediate vicinity of their house or apartment. Constantly walking your dog on concrete or asphalt can cause serious joint degradation which over time can lead to weak joints, hip dysplasia, and “burnt paws.” One way to combat joint degradation is to feed your dog a food that is high in Glucosamine and Chondroitin, two nutrients that support long-term joint health.
3. Pay Close Attention to Your Dog
Most of us love our dog’s curiosity, but sometimes their need to investigate every can pose a problem. Dogs love to try and taste everything that has an interesting smell but some things can be harmful or even poisonous to canines. It is important to avoid anything our dogs can easily get into from obvious risk factors such as, discarded chicken bones and old candy wrappers, to lesser known dangers like ponds with blue-green algae. We know everyone wants to have fun and enjoy nature, but when on walks, it is important to watch over our dogs in order to maintain their health for coming years.
*PureLuxe does not provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis.
