Paw Parents – You are lucky!
We all know that a dog is a man’s best pal. Having a dog keeps you active and also boosts your oxytocin level and helps with physical and mental health. However, dog walking injuries are on rising and can be catastrophic. Be sure to take the following precautions.
1. Don’t wrap the leash: If your dog decides to chase that squirrel, there will be no time to reposition your fingers and prevent injuries like tendon rupture of fracture. Make sure to hold the leash around the palm and not intertwined between the fingers.
2. Avoid putting fingers under the collar: If your dog darts off, there is a chance that you will dislocate your finger
3. Use a short leash and avoids retractable leashes: Short leash gives you more control. A longer leash can create a force/jolt that can cause shoulder, elbow, wrist injuries’. A sudden yank can lead to back injuries.
4. Walk, don’t roll: Regardless of your skill or comfort level its never a good idea to bike, skate while walking your dog. When you are on wheels, you are already off-balance. And remember, if your dog decides to take off to chase the squirrel, it can lead to a disaster.
5. Wear the right footwear: Leave your flipflops, high heels, wedges at home. You need to have good support when walking your dog. to avoid potential trips, rolls, or falls which can prevent sprains and fractures.