Enjoy the Parks—Keep Your Dog and Yourself Safe

Being outdoors offers huge benefits, especially for seniors. In the sunshine, your body has an opportunity to synthesize Vitamin D. Breathing in the fresh outside air lifts your spirits, as well. Heading out into the sunshine means different things for different people. Sometimes, it entails gardening or sitting on the front porch with a glass of iced tea. Other times, you may find a walk is the answer for your longing to get outdoors. Walks are even better when you bring along your canine counterpart. Seniors walking dogs offers many benefits. Additionally, it would be best if you also took precautions to avoid injury to your dog and yourself.

3 Suggestions for Dog Park Safety

Before taking your beloved Fido down to the local dog park, consider taking action on these tips for senior pet owners:

1. Get Your Pet Vaccinated. It can be challenging to gauge a dog’s health at the park. So instead, take the steps necessary to ensure your pet is fully vaccinated to protect them from common transferrable diseases.
2. Keep Your Dog’s Size in Mind. Smaller dogs can be unintentionally, but easily, hurt by larger ones. If your park has areas designated for size, utilize them.
3. Make Sure Your Canine Masters Basic Dog Training Commands. Movies may show funny scenes of a dog running off from its master, but there is no humour in it if your beloved pet then goes missing. It’s a great idea to take your pups to obedience training class, so they can learn to answer your call all the time, especially at the park.

4 Additional Tips for Dog Walking Safety

You may walk your dog around your neighbourhood instead of heading off to a dog park. That’s a great way to keep you both in good physical shape. Here are a few extra tips to ensure you both have a great time:

1. Choose a Smaller Breed. If you are considering getting a pet, this tip is for you. Smaller breeds can be easier on you as you walk them on a leash without fear of being yanked and pulled as squirrels and bunnies dart about. Also, you may enjoy the companionship of an older dog that is much quieter than a puppy.
2. Utilize Front-Clip Harness. This will help Fido not pull more than when the leash is clipped to his collar. If you struggle with mobility and are in a wheelchair, you don’t have to forgo walking your dog if you research the best leashes to use.
3. Avoid Wrapping the Leash Around Your Fingers. If your pet suddenly pulls and you cannot let go, you may fall over or hurt your arm and shoulder. Instead, hold the leash by the handle/loop, so that you can let go quickly and safely if needed.
4. Wear Appropriate Clothing and Carry Your Phone. Dress for the weather, but also remember to wear comfortable shoes that can handle walking on different terrains. In addition, it’s a good idea to keep your cell phone on you in case you need to call for backup if you unexpectedly fall.

Enjoy Your Walks with Your Pet

Outdoor safety is critical for seniors, and it helps to be prepared. When you do need an extra set of hands, feel free to call upon the services of Home Instead Hamilton. Our trained caregivers come ready to aid you with your unique needs. We offer many different services to make you or your senior loved one’s life better and fuller. So, check out what we have to offer. If you need a companion to go with you and your pet to the park or for a walk around the neighbourhood, we can help.

Call us at (905) 521-5500 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver each day to families in Hamilton and surrounding communities.