Weekly Scoop
September 16, 2020
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Do you know how to walk your dog correctly? Do you walk your kitty?
Included in this edition of the newsletter:
- 3 Ways You Might Be Ruining Your Dog's Walk
- Is It Weird To Walk A Cat?
- Take a Hike: Charlotte's Best Dog Walking Trails
- Can dogs walk on treadmills?
- The Ultimate Guide to Running with Your Dog
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How Much Water Should Your Dog Drink? How Often should I Clean the Water Bowl?
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My Cat Won’t Drink: How Much Water Cats Need & Dehydration Prevention | Signs of Dehydration in Cats
In addition, we spotlight products which are 'gotta get' dog and cat walking necessities.
- The Best Dog Leashes
- The Best Cat Harnesses
- 10 Dog-Walking Essentials You Should Always Have on Hand
- Best Shoes for Walking
A huge thanks for your continued support and feedback!
It takes a village!
Terry Richardson
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American Kennel Club
Your dog’s daily walk is likely one of the highlights of their day. Going for a walk can provide your dog with more than just a bathroom break. It can give them physical exercise, mental stimulation, and a chance to keep tabs on the neighborhood. To make sure your dog is truly enjoying their walks, be […]
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Is It Weird To Walk A Cat
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The world is divided when it comes to whether walking cats on a leash is a bad idea. But everyone is probably in agreement about if it is weird to walk a cat. The answer is YES, of course it’s weird to walk your cat since it’s not the norm and cats are not known to be trained. But if your cat is properly trained and you can avoid unwanted behaviors, then it becomes normal and no longer weird to walk your cat on a leash.
Whether it’s weird to walk a cat or not is really subjective. The question is more of whether it’s a good idea or not to walk a cat on a leash. What are the consequences, what are the potential benefits, and what are possible problems taking a stroll down the street with your feline companion? Let’s further explore these questions objectively from research and then come back to the question of whether it’s weird to walk a cat [...]
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The Best Dog Leashes, According to Veterinarians and Dog Trainers |
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The Strategist | By Karen Iorio Adelson and Dominique Pariso
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Like the ever-dependable U.S. Postal Service, there’s one constant in dog ownership: Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night … will keep you from having to walk your pup. So you’re going to want a leash that’s safe, reliable, weatherproof (if need be), and maybe even nice-looking.
“The goal is really to have your pet walking next to you while on a relaxed leash,” says Dr. Jennifer Maniet, a staff veterinarian at Petplan Pet Insurance. “Certainly you want to ensure the material is durable, and you want to make sure the connections of the leash to the collar or harness are well made and secure.” While Maniet says it’s always best to consult with your vet when looking for the best leash for your pet’s individual needs, the ones below come highly recommended by the 10 veterinarians, dog trainers, and other canine experts we spoke to.
Many of the experts say a basic leash would be more than efficient for everyday walks with most dogs, so we’ve grouped their favorite no-frills options together first, following those with leashes they recommend for dogs with specific needs — like puppies that haven’t gotten over their teething phase or the dog that is also your dedicated jogging partner. And for all the aspiring dogfluencers out there, we’ve also included a group of leashes recommended for their aesthetics (that are all, according to their recommenders, also functional) so your four-legged friend will be the coolest animal at the dog park. Most of the leashes below come in a variety of sizes to accommodate every breed (from toy poodles to Great Danes), but we’ve noted throughout which leashes are only available in limited sizing. [...]
A few examples are below. More in the article.
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Basic: PetSafe Premier Nylon Dog Leash
According to Stephanie Galas, a manager at Pupculture Soho, “The most simple leash is your best leash.” Available in four-foot and six-foot lengths, she says this affordable, lightweight, nylon leash from PetSafe is “not too long, not too short,” and just right for having your dog walk alongside you without bolting ahead. Buy at Chewy
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Basic: Blue-9 Function Leash
$20
An “everyday, go-to leash,” because it can be worn “a multitude of ways,” due to its two clips and several attachment points. It can be used as a regular six-foot lead, a shorter 3.5-foot leash, or looped over your shoulder for hands-free walking. It also can be double-clipped to both your dog’s harness and collar for added safety. “I love its versatility no matter what we are doing, from hiking to dining at a cafe together.” It’s available in six colors, including: black, blue, red, purple, sky blue, and hot pink. Buy at Blue-9
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Walking in the Dark Leash: Pet Industries Premium LED Reflective Dog Leash
$20
Depending on your — and your dog’s — schedule, you may end up going for walks before dawn or late at night, when you’ll want to be extra-vigilant about staying visible to cars and other traffic. Klein says safety leashes with LED lights “are perfect for nighttime visibility.” Buy at Amazon
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The Best Cat Harnesses (2020 Reviews)
Pet Life Today | Jenny Jarvis
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Taking your cat on walks isn’t necessarily something you expect to do when you adopt a cat; but it’s definitely something you should consider. Not all cats will love the leash experience at first, but finding a way to take them out and let them experience the world is hugely beneficial to their quality of life. And even if it doesn’t seem to be doing much for them, there’s a good chance you’ll see a decrease in overall havoc wreaked in your home the more you get your cat out. The easiest way to do this is a leash and the best way to convince your cat to use the leash is to buy a harness that’s well suited to him. Navigating where to start in picking the right harness can be a bit tricky, though. So we’ve taken the liberty of gathering all the information you’ll need below.
We reviewed dozens of cat harnesses to identify the best of the best. We looked at traditional harnesses and vests, as well as harnesses that the manufacturers deem “escape proof” and even a few universal harnesses that can work for cats, bunnies, or a small dog. No matter how you choose to harness your kitty, we’ve got the right one for you. [...]
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The Ultimate Guide to Running with Your Dog
by Marissa Busch
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If you’re a runner or looking to become one, you may have thought about bringing your dog along. Not only is running great physical exercise for your dog, but it can also help your dog get better at walking on-leash! But, not all dogs will enjoy running, and it may not be safe for your dog to go on a run with you.
While you might think running with your dog is as simple as attaching their leash and heading out for a run, there are some things you’ll need to do to prepare before you go.
Although it seems that dogs are practically born running, there’s a difference between a dog running while playing versus going for a structured run with you. When your dog runs during playtime, they are running for short bursts and in erratic patterns. When you take your dog out for a run, they’re running in a straight line for an extended period of time, often on unforgiving surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
Things to Know Before Running with Your Dog
Is Your Dog Healthy Enough to Go for a Run?
First things first! Always check with your veterinarian about the appropriate amount of exercise for your dog. You need to be extra careful running with overweight dogs, dogs with certain preexisting health conditions (see list below), and young dogs whose bone growth plates haven’t fully closed.
Medical Conditions That Make it Risky to Run with Your Dog
Here are some medical conditions that might mean your dog isn't well-suited for running. This list isn't exhaustive — always check with your veterinarian before making your dog your running partner.
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Brachycephalism: Flat-faced dogs, like pugs, bulldogs, boxers, etc.
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Collapsing trachea: Most common in terriers and other small breeds, they often have a cough that sounds like a goose “honk.”
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Laryngeal Paralysis: Most common in older dogs, they often have a change in bark and a “roaring” sound to their breathing.
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Arthritis: Consider swimming, an underwater treadmill, or other low-impact exercise instead.
- Excessive weight and obesity
- Elbow and/or hip dysplasia
- Shoulder osteochondrosis
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10 Dog-Walking Essentials You Should Always Have on Hand
Pet Central | Victoria Schade
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Suiting up for a walk with your dog might seem like a no-brainer – all you need is a dog, leash and collar, right? – but there are a few more essentials that can help make your walks safe, comfortable and productive. Here are ten things you need to take your leash walks to the next level. [...]
- A Properly-Fitted Collar with ID
- A Fixed-Length Leash (for walking in public areas)
- Waste Bags
- Treats
- Water and Water Bowl
- Long Line Leash (for walking in off-road areas)
- Toys
- No-Pull Harness
- Illuminated or Reflective Collar
- Inclement Weather Gear
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Best Shoes for Dog Walking |
Whether it’s a hike up a hill or a ramble around your local park, walking your dog is a great exercise for mind and body. Your shoes should not cause you any discomfort, so finding the right shoes is important in keeping your feet healthy too. If you are walking the dog 2-3 times a day, a pair of supportive footwear is paramount. Look out for shoes that have a hard-wearing sole and built-in arch support too. Leather uppers are breathable and help keep your feet cool, whilst waterproof shoes are practical for unruly weather. [...]
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Take a Hike: Charlotte's Best Dog-Friendly Trails
Little Friends Blog
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Living in the beautiful Charlotte area means you and your pup get to spend lots of time outdoors. As the temperatures begin to climb this spring, it’s a great time of year to explore the local scenery. Get out, get active, and get your dog’s tail wagging with Charlotte’s best dog-friendly trails! [...]
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Veterinary Q&A: Can dogs exercise on treadmills?
Lori Lutskas, a certified physical rehabilitation therapist at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, answers this week's question.
By Neena Pelligrini
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Question: If someone owns a working/herding dog that requires a lot of exercise, such as a Siberian husky, but finds walks just aren’t enough, would it help if the dog worked out on a treadmill?
Answer: Yes, most dogs can be trained to use an electric treadmill, whether it is a walking treadmill or underwater treadmill. (Never use a manual treadmill.) However, the animal should never be left alone on a treadmill. The pet will need to be supervised and monitored.
As with humans, you should also make sure your pet is able to handle the exercise routine, thus be sure your veterinarian has approved the activity first, especially if your pet is older.
Question: What is the advantage to training on a treadmill?
Answer: On a walking treadmill, the weight can be evenly distributed to reduce stress on some joints. This is especially true with an underwater treadmill, where as much as 38 percent of the weight can be reduced on the lower joints, such as the wrists and ankles.
Question: We assume treadmills are not right for every dog. Please explain.
Answer: Not every dog will enjoy the treadmill. It may be afraid of the machine or have health conditions that prevent increased exercise. Remember, supervision is always required.
Injuries can occur if the pet falls from the tracks or is overworked. They could be sprain or soft tissue injuries.
And if you have a long hair pet; the hair will need to be brought up so it does not get caught in the treads/motor.
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How Much Water Should a Dog Drink?
PetMD Editorial | Reviewed and updated for accuracy on August, 11, 2020 by Jennifer Larsen, DVM, PhD, DAVCN
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Water is the main component of healthy, living cells of the body. Without water, your dog’s body will not function properly. More specifically, your dog will dehydrate.
This can happen if your dog isn’t getting enough water, which is why you should clean and refill your dog’s water bowl daily.
You also need to be aware of when your dog is drinking more water than usual, as this could be a sign of illness.
So how much water should a dog drink? Find out whether your dog is drinking enough water or more water than usual.
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Is your cat drinking enough water? Honestly, there’s probably a good chance that you don’t really know because you rarely, if ever, actually see them go drink from their bowl.
Like many of cats’ peculiar quirks, their drinking habits (or lack thereof) trace back to their early days as desert hunters. These ancient cats would get most, if not all of their water from their prey, such as mice and other rodents.
Modern cats maintain these habits, making it potentially stressful for a human who wants to make sure their cat is getting enough water. And these days, cats get far less moisture from their food, considering that many are fed a dry-food diet containing only 6–10% moisture, a fraction of the moisture they'd get from rats and mice or canned food.
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