Did you know that there’s a pretty important doggy holiday coming up? Walk Your Dog Day is February 22nd! While Fido should be walked every day, this is an important reminder that those strolls are important for more than sanitary reasons. A Bellevue, WA vet discusses walking your canine buddy in this article.

Know The Benefits

We all know that dogs need to be walked for sanitary reasons. Don’t think that pups with yards are off the hook, though. Regular walks are your canine pal’s main form of exercise, which is very important to his health and well-being. They also provide your pet beneficial mental stimulation. That’s great for Fido’s mind, and can also help stave off the Bored Doggy Blues.

Change Things Up

Man’s Best Friend has a very healthy sense of adventure. Fido often loves going to new places and sniffing unfamiliar patches of grass. Your four-legged friend will really appreciate being able to check out parks and trails, rather than just going down the same route day after day.

Get Proper Gear

Make sure that Fido’s collar or harness fits him properly. Harnesses are becoming more popular, as they are more comfortable. However, your furry friend will still need a collar, so he can wear his ID tags when the harness is off. As for leashes, many people prefer retractable leashes. These are fine, but there are a few caveats. They really aren’t good to use around potentially-dangerous areas, such as near busy roads, riverbanks, or steep cliffs. You also need to be careful if your pup meets another pooch: you don’t want them getting tangled up.

Foot And Paw Care

Don’t forget that your canine companion is running around barefoot … or bare-pawed. Keep an eye on the terrain, and watch for things like broken glasses or other hazards. If it’s hot or cold out, pay some extra attention to Fido’s furry feet. Use paw balm or wax to protect and moisturize his paws. Keeping those nails trimmed is also important. As for yourself, be sure to wear shoes or boots with good tread.

Safety

It only takes a moment for dogs to slip away or get into trouble. Make sure Fido knows and obeys basic commands, like Sit, Stay, Heel, and Come. Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Bellevue, WA animal clinic!