Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy outdoor activities with your furry companion, but it's essential to be mindful of the heat and take appropriate precautions. Whether you're exploring new trails or strolling around the neighborhood, practicing dog walking etiquette and having the right gear for hot weather can ensure the safety and comfort of both you and your beloved canine.
Always keep your dog on a leash and within your control, unless you’re in a designated off-leash area. This ensures the safety of your dog, other animals, and people you encounter during your walk. Teach your dog to greet others politely, and always ask before approaching another dog. Respect the boundaries and preferences of others! Clean up after your dog in public spaces promptly. Dispose of their waste in designated bins to be courteous to the spaces and people around you. In the summertime, make sure to use dog friendly sun protection on your dog’s delicate skin. Carry water to make sure your dog is properly hydrated while spending a lot of time out in the sun. Practice paw protection! Hot pavement and sand can burn your dog’s paws. Invest in some nice booties or paw balms to protect their paws from extreme temperatures, and walk on grassy cooler areas whenever possible. Time your walks before or after the sun’s peak to try to prevent overheating, and finally, carry emergency supplies! Extra poop bags, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers just in case of emergency on longer hikes in rougher terrain.
Finally, and possibly most importantly, have a well-fitting high quality harness for your pup. This makes it easier to keep control of your dog on walks, stops them from escaping out of your reach, and wiht some of the harnesses in stock at Hungry Hound, can help reduce pulling and make it easier/more enjoyable to walk them! Check out out Freedom No Pull Harness for help with strong pullers.
These tips and etiquette play a crucial role in ensuring enjoyable and safe summer walks for you and your pup!