These Tried And True Tips Can Help You Avoid Common Dog Walking Injuries And Keep Daily Strolls Through The Park Peaceful
Walking our four-legged friends is one of the pure joys of being a dog owner. After all, it’s a win-win: our pups get exercise, we get some fresh air, and it’s a bonding experience for everyone.
But not all walks around the block are leisurely strolls filled with wagging tails. Sometimes, what’s supposed to be a peaceful walk in the park just turns into a total tug-of-war, leaving you with anything from a sprained wrist to a twisted ankle.
Let’s break down some of the common injuries associated with dog walking and discuss how to prevent them– making sure that every walk is a good one.
Preventing Shoulder & Wrist Injuries
Picture this: you’re enjoying a nice, calm walk, but suddenly, a squirrel dashes by, and your dog decides it’s showtime.
The result? A jarring pull that sends a major shockwave from your hand to your shoulder.
To avoid this, you can first invest in a good quality harness that distributes force more evenly. Also, you might consider a leash with a shock absorber to lessen the impact of sudden pulls.
Lastly, remember that training your dog to walk without pulling is not just a favor to your shoulders– it’s a courtesy to your future self.
Avoiding Sprains And Falls
Drobot Dean – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person or dog
Dogs can be unpredictable, and a sudden change in direction can have you tripping over them or their leash in no time.
So, you should always be aware of your surroundings and keep your dog on a short leash in crowded or uneven areas to maintain control.
Also, be sure to wear sturdy shoes that provide good grip and support. In other words, no heels or flip-flops!
You should regularly check your walking route for potential hazards like potholes or slippery surfaces, too, especially after bad weather.
Combating Back Pain
Long walks are great, but they shouldn’t be a pain in the back. So, if you’re experiencing lower back pain after walks, it might be time to assess your posture.
Always try to keep your spine neutral and avoid leaning forward or backward. You can also use a waist leash to keep your hands free and distribute your dog’s pull evenly across your body.
This tiny gear swap can significantly reduce strain on your back and shoulders.
Protect Yourself From Jumping And Bouncing
Let’s not forget that enthusiastic dogs love to jump and bounce, too, especially when they meet new friends. But, while cute, this can lead to scratches or, worse, being knocked over.
Try to teach your dog a solid “sit” command to use when greeting people. At the same time, it’s a good idea to keep treats handy to reward calm behavior.
And if your dog is particularly bouncy, you might consider getting a gentle leader or no-jump harness to discourage jumping while you work on training.
Overall Safety: More Than Just A Leash
Beyond the physical injuries, there are also other aspects of dog walking that require our attention to ensure safety for both you and your dog.
For instance, early mornings and late evenings are the most common dog-walking times, but they often mean low visibility. So, it’s best to equip yourself and your dog with reflective gear or LED collars and leashes.
This makes you both more visible to drivers, cyclists, and other pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents.
While on walks, it might also be tempting to scroll through your phone or get lost in the music. However, staying alert is key.
Keep your phone in your pocket and at least one ear free from headphones. Paying attention to your surroundings not only prevents trips and falls but also keeps you aware of other animals, unfriendly dogs, or any unusual activity around you.
Last but not least, check the weather before you head out and be mindful of temperatures– since extreme heat can be harmful to your dog, and certain weather conditions can make walks hazardous for you both.
On hot days, avoid scorching pavements that can burn your dog’s paws; meanwhile, during the colder months, be wary of icy paths and try to avoid ice melt when possible.
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