Walking Mistakes Could Affect Your Dog’s Safety: Vet Lists 5 Things To Avoid
Vet explains common walking errors that may affect dogs.
Daily walks are an important part of a dog’s overall wellbeing, offering benefits that go beyond bathroom breaks. Regular physical activity can support cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, joint mobility and healthy weight management when combined with appropriate nutrition. According to Dr Deepak Saraswat, head vet at Zigly Pet Care, consistent walks also provide dogs with essential mental stimulation and form an important part of preventive healthcare.
However, the way a dog is walked can affect its comfort and safety. One common mistake is using an unsuitable collar or leash that is too tight, heavy or poorly fitted. This can be particularly uncomfortable for puppies, small dogs and short-nosed breeds that may be more sensitive to pressure around the neck. Pet parents should choose walking equipment that fits correctly and allows their dogs to move freely and comfortably.
Another mistake is repeatedly pulling or dragging a dog during the walk. Constant tension on the leash can place unnecessary pressure on the neck and make the experience stressful for the animal. Instead, pet parents can work towards loose-leash walking and allow their dogs to maintain a comfortable pace. Positive reinforcement can also help encourage appropriate walking behaviour without turning the outing into a constant struggle.
Also Read: Monsoon Travel: Avoid These 5 Itinerary Mistakes To Stay Safe
Treating every walk as an intense workout can also be inappropriate for some dogs. Puppies, senior dogs, overweight pets and dogs with joint, heart or respiratory concerns may have different exercise requirements from healthy adult dogs. Long or strenuous walks should be introduced gradually, while pet parents should watch for signs such as excessive panting, repeated stopping, limping or difficulty keeping up.
Dogs also need opportunities to sniff and explore their surroundings, rather than simply completing a particular distance as quickly as possible. Their sense of smell is an important way of experiencing the environment, making sniffing a valuable form of mental stimulation. Pet parents should also pay attention to the route itself, avoiding hot pavements, slippery surfaces, broken roads, stagnant water and areas containing waste. During the monsoon, paws and the lower coat should be checked and cleaned after walks to remove mud, moisture and possible contaminants.
Dr Saraswat emphasised that effective dog walking is more about consistency than making every outing longer or more strenuous. The duration and intensity should be adjusted according to a dog’s age, breed, weight, body condition and overall health. If a dog develops persistent fatigue, pain, limping, breathing difficulty or a noticeable change in its usual walking pattern, pet parents should seek veterinary advice rather than continuing to push the animal through the symptoms.
Also Read: Frustrated With Your Biceps Progress? These Training Mistakes May Be The Problem
