As dog owners, taking our furry friends for a walk is a daily routine.

But have you ever wondered whether it’s safe to let your dog “take the air” outside your home? Canine confusion can lead to dangerous situations, and it’s essential to know how to prevent them. In this article, we’ll discuss the dangers of “taking the air” and how to keep your dog safe.

What Does “Take the Air” Mean?

In the dog-walking world, “taking the air” means allowing your dog to roam outside your home without a leash. This could be in your backyard, a nearby park, or even on the street.

While it may seem harmless, “taking the air” can lead to dangerous situations for your furry friend.

The Dangers of Taking the Air

1. Traffic Accidents

Unleashed dogs are at risk of running into traffic, which can cause fatal accidents.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 22% of all pet owners have had a pet injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident, and 23% reported they were involved in a car accident because their pet was a distraction.

2. Lost or Stolen

Unsupervised dogs can easily become lost or even stolen. A lost dog is vulnerable to a range of dangers, including exposure to extreme weather conditions, animal attacks, and starvation.

The American Humane Association estimates that one in three pets will become lost at some point in their life. The chances of finding a lost dog decreases rapidly every hour, and the chances of being reunited with a dog decreases significantly after 24 hours.

3. Fights and Injuries

Dogs are social creatures, but they can also turn aggressive towards other dogs. Stray dogs or unleashed dogs can also enter your dog’s territory, leading to fights and injuries.

Scratches, bites, and infections are common injuries that can result from dog fights and can lead to costly vet bills.

4. Poisoning

Unleashed dogs are more likely to wander into unsafe areas, such as contaminated soil, plants, or trash cans. They may eat poisonous substances, leading to severe health problems or even death.

Additionally, some humans maliciously or accidentally leave out poisoned food. Poisonous substances can result in vomiting, seizures, and organ failure in dogs.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe

As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your pet safe. Here are some tips to ensure the safety of your dog:.

1. Leash Your Dog

Leashing your dog is one of the most effective ways to keep them safe while walking outside. A leash gives you full control of your dog, and it also prevents your dog from running into traffic or getting lost.

In many places, it’s also legally required to leash your dog.

2. Train Your Dog

Training your dog is essential to ensure obedience and prevent dangerous or inappropriate behavior.

Positive reinforcement training is an effective training method to teach your dog how to socialize with other dogs, understand leash manners, and follow commands such as “come” and “stay.”.

3. Supervise Your Dog

Supervising your dog while outside is crucial to prevent dangerous situations. If you have a backyard, make sure it’s securely fenced and inaccessible to strangers.

If you’re in a public park or other area, keep a close eye on your dog and be aware of potential hazards such as traffic, poisonous plants, and other dogs.

4. Keep Identification on Your Dog

Keeping identification on your dog is essential in case they become lost or stolen. A collar with a tag including your phone number and name should always be worn by your dog, along with updated microchip information.

This can increase the likelihood of being reunited with your dog and prevent unnecessary stress on both you and your furry friend.

5. Avoid Unsafe Areas

Avoid letting your dog roam in unsafe areas, including busy roads, construction sites, and trash areas. Also, pay attention to areas that may contain toxic plants or hazardous materials that can be easily accessed by your dog.

Keep your dog close to you when walking and ensure they do not ingest anything they shouldn’t.

Conclusion

“Taking the air” may seem like a harmless outdoor activity for your dog, but it can lead to dangerous situations.

Traffic accidents, lost or stolen pets, fights, injuries, and poisoning are just a few of the risks associated with allowing your dog to roam freely. It’s important to take proper precautions, including leash training, supervision, and avoiding unsafe areas, to keep your furry friend safe.

By being proactive and responsible, you can ensure your dog enjoys outside activities while minimizing the risk of dangerous situations.