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How to Keep Your Pup Safe When You're Out & About
Wednesday, April 26, 2017Other than the crazy Georgia pollen, I love the springtime. It's so lovely outside - everything is so bright and so green (green) - that's a little hip hop throwback for you. Anyways, it's the perfect time to get outside. I'm lucky enough to live in a city that has an 18-mile walking and biking trail called the Greenbelt that connects through the entire town. It's beautiful and safe, so it's one of my favorite places to go to get outside. I have a goal to complete the entire 18 miles at some point this summer, so we'll see how that goes.
When I get out, I sometimes walk alone, but other times I'll take family along with me, including Moe (aka Mosef), my pup that's been part of the family since I was in high school. He's such a happy, well-behaved and loving pup, so I enjoy taking him along for a walk on the Greenbelt. I try to be very mindful when I take him out in public, because I worry about him and want him to stay safe.
Here are my five tips for how I keep my pup safe out in the real world, and maybe these tips will also be useful to you!
Bring along food and water. Don't forget bowls to put them in! I love collapsible dog bowls for both food and water. They store flat, so I can just throw them into my backpack when it's time for a walk.
If possible, find a nice shaded spot to rest. If you're tired and out of breath, your pup may be, too. Moe's a small and older dog, so I'm mindful to not overexert him. So pull up some shade, and plop down for a snack for you and your pup, too.
Purina Beyond is a perfect option to tote along. You're walking for your pup's (and your own) health, so why not feed your pup a food with no added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. I like to fill a plastic baggie with Purina Beyond for Moe and a protein bar (or something similar) for myself, plus a few bottles of water. Purina Beyond has many reasons to believe, including:
Real meat, poultry, or fish as the #1 ingredient.
No corn, wheat, or soy.
No poultry by-product meal.
Ingredients are safely sourced - every bag, every time.
Natural nutrition is backed by pet nutritionists.
Not to mention, I can pick it up at my local Kroger and don't have to make a extra trip to a specialty pet store (because really, who has time to do all of that?). Purina Beyond can be found on the pet aisle.
Now through the end of June, get $3 off Purina Beyond with this special Kroger offer.
Be prepared with doggy bags. It's not enjoyable, I know. No one ever said it'd be fun to pick up your dog's poop, but be respectful of others who may use the trail you're using - no one wants to step in it or have their child play with it (because that seems like a plausible thing that would happen). So be kind and have doggy bags ready - if you can find it, I love the clip-ons that can hang right on the outside of your bag, so there's no searching needed.
Keep them away from hazards they may eat. If your pups are anything like mine, they like to search and find weird things during a walk. Make sure they aren't ingesting anything harmful, like human food, toys, or even plants. Be mindful of your pup and gently tug him/her to distract them from what they're trying to eat!
Make them visible to others. If there's any chance it may get dark while you're out and about, make sure to have reflective gear for your pup. You can find adorable reflective yellow or orange bandannas that are the cutest. They even make hats for pups now, so just be sure to find something reflective so no one trips over or, worse, bikes over your pup.
Keep them leashed for their safety and the safety of others. Most trails require your pups be leashed anyways, but play it safe regardless. Your pup's bound to become distracted by other people on the trail, other pups, or even wild animals. It's better to be safe than sorry!
How do make sure to keep your pets safe when you go in public? I'd love to hear your ideas!
8 comments
We have a small dog, too, and always keep her leashed- very important tip. I also find hydrating a small dog can be a challenge, it's just as easy to provide too much water as it is not enough! #client
ReplyDeleteYes. Absolutely! It's important to find the perfect balance for the small pups!
DeleteYour doggie is SO cute! These are awesome tips, definitely gotta have those poop bags ready though it's everyone's least favorite thing to do lol.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think he's so cute, too. :)
DeleteAnd yes- it sucks, but it's a necessary task!
Such a cute pup! Great tips
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenn! And thanks for stopping by. :)
DeleteI bet making your little cutie visible can be so difficult!!! So cute and small. These are great tips. I have cats but I always keep things like this in mind when I'm out with friends who have dogs.
ReplyDeleteHe is super small! About the size of a cat. :)
DeleteI have a cat too, but she's all indoors - so I don't have to worry about her being out and about!