Why your daily dog walk might be dangerous: 7 hazards
Walking your dog is a common everyday activity that provides many benefits for both you and your dog. But you need to be aware of dog walking hazards.
Dog walks allow both of you to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors while allowing your dog to relieve themselves if needed.
Your dog will also enjoy exploring the sights and smells of the outdoors alongside the exercise, which will tire them out and make them more manageable at home, which is another added benefit for you.
Of course, the best benefit is the opportunity for your bond to grow as you spend time together daily with this routine.
Walking your dog isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, however, and there are several things that you should watch out for and prepare for.
Cars driving past, other dogs, litter, and more can potentially harm your pup in one way or another.
We’ll discuss everything from the hidden dangers of damaged sidewalks to common toxic plants to watch for to help keep you and your dog safe on your next walk.
Damaged or hot sidewalks
Over time, sidewalks will naturally degrade, as all things do when exposed to the raw elements.
However, if this damage is hidden or more subtle, it could pose a significant risk to you and your dog as you walk your neighborhood.
As you walk, look for signs of damaged sidewalks, such as excess dirt, loose pieces of cement, open holes, and other indications of damage. If you spot one, maneuver your dog away and try to avoid it yourself.
If there is no alternative, head home or take a different route. Report the damaged sidewalk for repairs.
Another dog walking hazard emerges on hot days — if the temperature outside is at least 85 degrees and the pavement hasn’t had time to cool, then it may not be safe for you to take your dog for a walk at that moment.
You can rest your hand on the ground to check if the cement is safe for your dog to lie on.
If it’s too hot for you to touch or it could get hot quickly if you leave it there, don’t walk your dog until later. Alternatively, consider having them wear protective booties or dog shoes.
Taking them for a walk when the temperature is too hot can also put them at risk for heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other harmful heat-related conditions.
Moving vehicles
While some dogs may fear cars, others may not, and either chase them or see no problems running in front of them, which is a terrifying prospect.
Walking your dog using a harness and a 6-foot leash (avoid retractable leashes) is an excellent first step in keeping them safe from the dangers of the road.
However, this won’t work if they somehow sneak out of the house, the leash breaks, or any other accidents occur, which is why training is essential.
You can use many ways and techniques to teach your dog that the road is dangerous. One of these is teaching your dog to sit.
Having them sit while a vehicle passes by is a great way to curb any excitement they may exhibit, as it temporarily draws their attention back to you.
You could also reward them for not chasing the vehicle and remaining calm, although this may only work sometimes.
Consider consulting a dog trainer for guidance if you need assistance with training your pup.
Other dogs and people
While dogs are different, they are generally social and love making new friends.
While this is adorable when you have visitors or visit someone else, it can quickly become problematic if they show less excitement while passing other dogs or strangers.
It can also be an issue if your dog is aggressive toward specific individuals or other dogs.
Of course, the best way to prevent these issues is to train your dog to ignore other dogs.
First, try to tire your dog out with a walk, as this will make them more receptive to training since they won’t have the energy to explore, get distracted, and run off randomly to play.
Also, bring a leash along with their favorite treats to reward them. You’ll then want to train them to run to you when you call their name, to sit and stay, to pay attention to you, and to do everyday tasks like that.
After that, take them to places where you can keep your distance from dogs. Once you’ve employed the proper training to keep them calm, you can start training them with dogs closer to them.
You can use the same training to calm them down around other people.
Toxic plants and chemicals
While you may keep your yard full of dog-friendly plants and avoid using artificial pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals on your lawn, other people living around you may choose to use them.
This is usually fine, as some of the plants your neighbors choose to plant are gorgeous or beneficial to local ecosystems, and many people prefer to use pesticides to keep insects off them.
However, many of these plants and chemicals can harm your beloved pooch.
Some common toxic dog plants include tulips, lilies of the valley, aloe, and irises. This source provides a comprehensive list of plants that you should keep your dog away from, along with some symptoms to watch for if they ingest any of these plants.
As for the chemicals, this is harder. Some lawn chemicals stink, and you can easily keep your dog away from these yards, but others are much harder to notice.
The best practice to avoid this dog walking hazard is to take some walks at varying times of day and year, and observe who does and doesn’t spray their yards. Then, keep your dogs off those lawns.
Be prepared for distractions
Distractions like wild animals (think a squirrel, rabbit, or other small animal) can make walks challenging for a dog owner.
Here are some quick strategies to handle them:
Stay focused: Keep your attention on your dog and the walk ahead to anticipate distractions.
Use commands: Teach basic commands like “leave it” or “focus” to encourage your dog to ignore distractions.
Practice leash training: A well-trained dog is less likely to react dramatically. Reinforce positive behavior when they stay by your side.
Redirect attention: Use treats or toys to divert your dog’s focus back to you if they fixate on something.
Change direction: If your dog gets too excited, consider changing your path to create distance from the distraction.
Stay calm: Your energy affects your dog’s behavior. Remain calm and assertive to help them feel secure.
Socialize gradually: Expose your dog to various environments to reduce their tendency to be distracted during walks.
Aggressive dogs
Encountering aggressive or loose dogs while walking your own can be stressful. Here are some strategies to handle these situations safely:
Stay calm: Maintain your composure, as dogs can sense your emotions. Assess whether the approaching dog is simply barking or showing aggressive behavior.
Create distance: If an aggressive dog approaches, calmly cross the street or change direction to increase the distance between you.
Use your voice: Give clear commands to your dog, such as “sit” or “stay,” using a firm yet calm tone to demonstrate your authority.
Redirect attention: Use treats or toys to distract your dog and keep their focus on you.
Be prepared: Consider using muzzles, sturdy leashes, or head halters for better control during encounters with aggressive dogs.
Avoid confrontation: Don’t engage with the aggressive dog; instead, focus on your dog and walk away. If the aggressive dog has an owner nearby, politely ask for assistance.
Know when to seek help: If you feel threatened, seek help from nearby people or authorities. Don’t hesitate to contact animal control if necessary.
Training: Invest in socialization and training for your dog to help them remain calm and prevent negative interactions with other dogs.
Protect your dog from sun and heat
When walking your dog in hot weather, prioritizing hydration and sun protection is essential.
Always carry water for your dog and take breaks to ensure they stay hydrated.
Signs of dehydration include excessive panting and dry gums, so keep an eye out for them.
Additionally, dogs can suffer from sunburn, especially those with short or light-colored fur.
Walk during the cooler parts of the day and consider using pet-safe sunscreen on sensitive areas, such as the nose and ears.
Don’t forget about their paws; hot pavement can burn them, so if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for theirs.
Proper hydration and sun protection will keep your dog safe and comfortable during walks.
Be prepared for injuries
When walking your dog, it’s vital to know how to handle any minor injuries.
Common minor injuries
Cuts and scrapes
- Humans: Clean with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover with a bandage.
- Dogs: Rinse the cut, clean the area, and apply a dog-safe antiseptic. Monitor for infection.
Irritated skin or hot spots
Clean your dog’s skin with mild soap, apply a non-toxic ointment, and consult a vet if irritation persists.
Paw pad injuries
Check your dog’s paws for injuries, clean them, and bandage them. Seek vet care for deep cuts.
Insect bites
Clean the bite and apply a cold compress. For severe reactions, seek medical assistance.
Sprains and strains
Common injuries include wrist and ankle sprains. Rest and ice the affected area for both humans and dogs. Limit movement until healed.
Preparedness tips
- First Aid kit: Carry a kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pet-specific items.
- Know basic CPR: Familiarize yourself with basic CPR techniques for pets.
- Stay aware: Keep an eye on your surroundings to prevent injuries.
When to seek help
If an injury is infected, doesn’t heal, or you’re unsure of its severity, consult a medical professional or veterinarian.
Proper care ensures enjoyable walks for both you and your dog.
Avoid dog walking hazards
Many dog walking hazards can be avoided, but it’s a good idea to be prepared for potential dangers in case something unexpected happens.
Train your dog to come when you call, to sit and stay, and to give you their full attention when you use a specific word. Also, teach them to drop what they’re holding or eating when you say so.
Watch for other dogs, people, cars, and litter, and take the appropriate actions to help keep you, your dog, and others safe. These tips should help you and your dog stay safe against many things you can encounter on your walk.
With them in mind, we hope your next walk is enjoyable and safe for you and your beloved pup.