The Most Common Problems with Dog Walking in Lebanon
Summer’s here! The warm weather means more people out and about, and more people means more dogs! It is a very common sight to see a person walking their dog on the street. Did you know that dog walking in Lebanon can be done in ways that put our dogs at risk? Here are some things to look out for when walking your dog, as well as many common dog walking mistakes:
Hot asphalt
A very common sight here is people walking their dogs midday in the heat. Not only is dog walking in Lebanon in the heat a very bad idea for your health and your dog’s health, but it can also injure your dog’s delicate paw pads! Did you know that a dog walked on hot asphalt can get blisters, burns, and other extremely painful and dangerous complications? You can test the heat of the ground by placing the back of your hand on it. If it feels hot to you, then it is most definitely too hot for your dog to walk on!
Dragging
Another common and sad sight with dog walking in Lebanon is individuals dragging their dogs on leashes behind them from a vehicle or motorcycle. Besides being a very lazy way to walk a dog, this can actually kill the dog! If the vehicle accelerates, the dog will choke and be dragged on the street. Other vehicles can also easily run over a dog being walked like this. If you see someone “walking’ their dog this way, quickly capture evidence and report them.
Chasing a vehicle
This is similar to the method above, but the dog isn’t tied. People who do not want to physically walk often let their dogs loose and have them run after their cars or motorcycles. This is not only extremely exhausting for the dog, but also presents a major risk, especially on busy roads. Even if the road is empty, dogs can easily get lost, stressed, stranded, or over exhausted this way. If you see someone walking their dog like this, try convincing them to take the safer option by making them aware of the dangers.
Motorcycle rides
A lot of the time, rather than walking their dogs or transporting them in a car, many Lebanese people will place them on their motorcycles. This is an unfortunately common sight on many Lebanese roads. This is harmful to dogs for many reasons: First, being exposed to traffic like that on a motorcycle is extremely stressful to dogs. Second, the dog could fall, or an accident may happen, leading to serious injury or death. Third, the dog could just jump off at any moment and end up lost, injured, or dead. If you see someone transporting their dog this way, try reporting them and raising awareness.
Choke collars
Whether walking your dog or not, choke collars are extremely inhumane. These types of collars physically constrict the windpipe, causing the dog to choke if he or she tugs on the leash or if the walker does. Dogs are gentle and sentient beings. Violence is NEVER okay, and they can learn to obey commands and follow humans on walks using positive affirmations and gentle training techniques.
Heavy chains
Walking your dog using a heavy chain not only weighs you down, but also your dog! Lugging that heavy weight while walking is extremely taxing on your dog’s muscles and joints. It can also cause neck pain and stiffness. Opt for a lighter and longer leash!
Not letting the dog sniff enough
One of the most common occurrences in dog walking in Lebanon is people rushing their dogs too much on walks, and not allowing them to linger and explore. Dogs need to exercise their sense of smell, and they also need time to slow down and enjoy their surroundings.
Lack of supervision
If you are walking your dog absentmindedly, you might want to pay more attention! Dog walking in Lebanon can be dangerous due to poison-laced foods left on the roads targeting strays. Besides this practice being completely inhumane and unacceptable, your dog could eat it by mistake and also suffer the fatal consequences! Moreover, your dog could get into other dangerous substances or situations, so your supervision is a must!
Having a dog off-leash in dangerous places
This ties into the point above. Of course all dogs need time off-leash, but be careful where you let your dog roam free. Other animals and people could react adversely. Additionally, unknown terrain or territory can harbor some hidden dangers, such as broken glass, nails, or other debris or substances, so always make sure to check beforehand!
