With fall here and the weather turning, it’s important to still take your dogs on walks. However, there are some things you should know and prepare for during this time. This is the perfect time to explore new paths and enjoy the beauty of all with your furry friend. Walking your dog this season can be the best time of year to do so. There are new sights and experiences.
Like summer, fall comes with its own challenges when dog walking. Things like daylight, weather, and your dog’s health are all things to consider when taking your dog out. You can never be too cautious when walking your dog, so here are a few tips for fall walking!
Walking During the Daylight
While you can walk any time of night or day, walking during daylight will always be safer. The lighter it is the better. This way you can see things better, and more clearly. If there are other people, animals, or wildlife. You can better avoid them if need be. Daylight can also mean seeing other dogs, which can be great socialization for your pup.
Walking during the day increases your visibility, if you walk a trail near traffic or on a busy sidewalk, being visible and being able to see other hazards. Walking away from cars and traffic is the best thing to do, but if you can’t walking during the daylight is the next best thing.
Daylight can also allow you to fully enjoy nature. If you tend to take walks in parks or on hiking trails then this is the perfect time to reconnect with nature and your dog. Enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of nature can make walks more enriching for both you and your dog, and the way to do that is during the daylight.
Weather
Consider shorter walks as well. Fall can be a confusing time of year for weather. Some days it’s 80+ degrees, and some days are rainy and freezing. Being prepared for both instances will help both you and your furry friend. Checking the weather before your walk can be key, there are many different factors to find the ideal temperature to walk your dog.
If it’s too hot your dog may not be comfortable or may experience heat-related illnesses. The rain likes to make many appearances this time of year, which can be nice and relaxing. However, you mustn’t let your dog drink the rainwater. Rainwater can contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
Some signs that your dog may have had rainwater, or if you are looking for symptoms may include; vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and or watery feces. If your dog is having any of these symptoms contact your vet.
Leashes
While walking you should always have your dog on a leash. If you do have them off the leash, say at the dog park, make sure to keep an eye on them. Observing them during play can prevent them from getting injured or from running away.
While it’s important that you are visible during the walk it’s also important for your dog to be visible. Whether that’s with their leash, collar, or a fashionable reflective vest.
If your pup still needs leash training, or a new leash trainer check out the SideWalker®-5 Leash Trainer.
Paw and Overall Care
Fall is the time for leaves to fall and everything starts anew. While this is a part of every year, it doesn’t stop our furry friends from getting sticks and leaves stuck in their paws. Checking for these and more (such as bugs) after every walk can protect your dog’s paw from getting injured. It also helps with your pups hygiene
While fall is typically cool and rainy, there are some warmer days. Avoid talking your dog out in extreme heat and make sure they are staying hydrated. Giving them cool water and having multiple sources of clean water are some helpful ways to keep them hydrated. For more tips click here.
Enjoy The Season!
Fall is a beautiful time of year take time to enjoy it! Being outside with your pup and reconnecting with nature can be very healing. There are many fun activities that you can do with your dog this season aside from your everyday walk. You can go hiking, or take your dog to the pumpkin patch.
We care about you and your dog, and keeping both of you safe is of the utmost importance. From visibility to weather, all things should be considered before walking your furry friend this fall.
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