So I love taking my dog on long walks, but I’ve started noticing some risks I hadn’t really thought about before. Heat, other dogs, even puddles… some things can actually be dangerous. Like, I didn’t even realize how bad it is for dogs to drink from standing water. Anyone else got safety tips for dog walking?
Yeah, I always bring water for my dog now. Had no idea puddles could be so bad until I read about blue-green algae. Apparently, it can be deadly??
Zander said:
Yeah, I always bring water for my dog now. Had no idea puddles could be so bad until I read about blue-green algae. Apparently, it can be deadly??
For real, blue-green algae is no joke. Causes some serious health issues. I just keep a bottle of water and a collapsible bowl in my bag now.
Zander said:
Yeah, I always bring water for my dog now. Had no idea puddles could be so bad until I read about blue-green algae. Apparently, it can be deadly??
Wait, what’s blue-green algae? Never heard of it before.
@Gray
It’s a toxic bacteria that can grow in stagnant water like ponds. If dogs drink it, they can get super sick… like neurological issues, vomiting, even death in some cases. Super scary.
If it’s really hot, I walk my dog early in the morning or late evening. Midday heat is brutal, and pavement can burn their paws.
Keller said:
If it’s really hot, I walk my dog early in the morning or late evening. Midday heat is brutal, and pavement can burn their paws.
Good call. I never thought about the pavement being too hot for them. Is there a way to check?
@Val
Yeah, just touch the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws!
One thing I taught my dog is ‘leave it’ and ‘drop it.’ Helps a lot when they try to eat random stuff on the street. Some dogs legit eat poop if you’re not careful lol.
Blake said:
One thing I taught my dog is ‘leave it’ and ‘drop it.’ Helps a lot when they try to eat random stuff on the street. Some dogs legit eat poop if you’re not careful lol.
Ugh, my dog is totally guilty of this. How did you train yours to stop?
@Dakota
Repetition and treats! Start by showing them a treat, say ‘leave it,’ and reward them when they don’t take it. Works over time!
Biggest thing for me is other dogs. Some are super friendly, but you never know. I always keep mine on a leash and ask before letting them say hi.
Chan said:
Biggest thing for me is other dogs. Some are super friendly, but you never know. I always keep mine on a leash and ask before letting them say hi.
Yeah, some dogs act fine until they suddenly snap. Had that happen once, scared the hell out of me.
Chan said:
Biggest thing for me is other dogs. Some are super friendly, but you never know. I always keep mine on a leash and ask before letting them say hi.
Same! I’ve started paying more attention to my dog’s body language. If they seem tense, I just cross the street to avoid issues.
If you go to dog parks a lot, a retractable leash can be a game changer. Gives them some freedom but keeps things under control.
Niall said:
If you go to dog parks a lot, a retractable leash can be a game changer. Gives them some freedom but keeps things under control.
I’ve thought about getting one. Do they ever tangle up though?
@Keller
Yeah, sometimes. But as long as you’re paying attention, it’s not too bad. Just don’t let them run full speed and then yank it!