Veterinarians
for Animal Welfare Zimbabwe
18
Borrowdale Road, Harare. Cell No. 0778431528/0773476009
DOG
WALKING TIPS
We
have received several complaints from members of the public with regard to
incidents they’ve witnessed concerning the poor treatment of dogs which are
being taken out for their daily walk. A number of owners send a member of their
staff out with their dogs and, whilst we applaud them for doing this, there is
concern that perhaps the staff members haven’t really been told what to do and
what not to do. Here are a few tips we recommend be passed on to those walking
the dogs:
1. It is preferable to walk your dogs
during the cooler hours in the morning and evening, but if this isn’t possible,
always carry water and a container, taking time to rest and water your dog in
the shade. Dogs can’t sweat and need time to cool down.
2. Make sure your dog is healthy enough
to embark on a long walk – overweight dogs should be checked by your Vet first.
3. Start with a shorter distance,
gradually working up to longer ones.
4. Keep well away from main roads and
the dangers of traffic – preferably stay on sidewalks or pathways.
5. Be attentive at all times to prevent
awkward situations.
6. Don’t do things that will excite the
dogs – like shouting and making sudden movements – this will reduce control
over the dog.
7. Dragging dogs by their collar can cause damage
to the trachea which may lead to breathing problems. If the dog wants to stop
(especially to urinate or defecate) let them.
8. Be considerate to others, both
humans and animals.
9. Most importantly, make sure your dog
has a name tag on his/her collar – even better, have them micro-chipped. Report
any dog that may run away immediately.
10. If
unaccompanied dogs are encountered that are constantly off their property and
causing problems, please report them – in the interest of their own safety, as
well as that of yours and your dogs.
11. Please
make sure your dogs’ vaccinations are up to date.
12.
Remember Harare
Municipal By-laws state that female dogs must be sterilized.
It
may be worthwhile walking with your staff member on occasion just to make sure
that they are competent and are treating your dogs correctly.
Mel
Hood
Animal
Welfare Officer
