We all know how stressful it can be to remember everything you need for a dog walk—you're packing for both yourself and your dog! To make things easier, we've put together a simple checklist of all the essentials you'll need. Whether you're just taking a quick walk around the block or heading out for a longer adventure, this list will help make sure you and your pup are both happy and prepared!
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6 Essentials for Your Daily Dog Walk
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Your Must-Haves For Longer Dog Walks
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Shop All The Essentials At Pawdaw of London
6 Essentials For Your Daily Dog Walk
Even though you might be going for a short walk around your neighbourhood, there are still some items you mustn’t forget! From poo bags to a warm dog walking coat, here are the most important items you need to remember for your dog walk.
1. Never Forget Your Poo Bags
Before you leave the house, you should always check your bag and pockets for poo bags! Imagine if your dog does their business and you are left with nothing to pick it up with. You don’t want to be that one dog walker that doesn’t pick up after their dog.
You shouldn’t just bring one either. You can never be too sure how many you will need, so it’s best to pack a few. If another dog owner is in need of a poo bag, you can help them out too!
2. Of Course, a Dog Lead
Your dog might have the best recall, but you should always keep your dog on a lead when walking around your neighbourhood. There are even laws for this! For example, dogs must be on a lead by law when crossing the road. This protects your dog and others around you, preventing any nasty accidents.
Of course, if you are heading to a public park, the rules are slightly different, but it is always best to have a lead on you at all times for walking your dog to and from these areas.
3. Hand Sanitiser
Your hands go through a lot when you are on a dog walk. From picking up poo to throwing balls and giving out treats, your hands can touch a lot of germs. That’s why you should bring hand sanitiser with you! No matter where you are, you are able to quickly sanitise your hands and carry on with your dog walk. There’s no need to wait until you get home to wash your hands!
4. Light Up Collar or Hi-Vis Dog Jacket
Particularly useful in winter or at night, a light-up collar or hi-vis dog jacket is a must when it comes to taking your dog for a walk in the dark. Sometimes, walking your dog during daylight hours is not feasible, especially if you work and have other commitments. To protect you and your dog, try using a light-up collar or hi-vis dog jacket so cars and passersby can see you at all times, and you can keep an eye on your pup, too.
5. Cool Coat or Waterproof Dog Walking Coat
Before you head out, always check the weather. If it’s a particularly warm day, you might want to put a cooling coat on your pup to prevent them from overheating whilst on their dog walk. On the other hand, a waterproof dog walking coat can make all the difference if it's a wet and rainy day. Not only will a coat protect your pup from getting too wet, but on colder days, a warm dog walking coat can prevent your pooch from becoming too cold whilst out and about.
Your Must-Haves For Longer Dog Walks
Taking your dog on a longer walk can mean packing more supplies. With so many things to remember, we have compiled a list of the most important items to bring on your longer journeys. Don’t forget to bring the essentials listed above, too!
1. Dog Treats
Dog treats are especially useful on longer walks. They're perfect for distracting your dog if they spot a squirrel or start pulling on the leash. A quick treat can easily redirect their focus back to you in no time.
For puppies, treats are also a great way to encourage good behavior, like improving recall skills. If your pup gets distracted, just call their name, and when they return their attention to you, reward them with a tasty treat. It helps them learn quickly and stay engaged!
2. A Bag for Dog Poo
In addition to regular poo bags, it’s a good idea to bring along a separate bag just for holding the used ones. While you likely know where all the dog poo bins are in your neighborhood, you can’t always predict when you’ll come across the next one while you're out on a walk. Having an extra bag just for the used poo bags means you won’t have to carry them in your hands until you find a bin!
3. A Dog Water Bottle and Collapsible Bowl
Staying hydrated is key for both you and your pup on long walks. While dogs are always eager to drink from any water source they find—whether it’s a muddy puddle or a lake—it’s best to encourage them to stick to fresh water. Make sure to bring a water bottle and a collapsible bowl so your dog can easily drink whenever they need to. While you might come across shared water bowls on your walk, they can carry bacteria, so it’s safer to have your own water ready to go!
4. Dog Harness
A collar and leash can be perfect for shorter walks because they're easy to use. But for longer walks, they might become uncomfortable for your dog. In those cases, a harness is a better choice. It wraps around your dog’s body, offering more comfort and security while giving you better control over the walk.
5. Dog-Friendly Wipes
There’s nothing worse than a muddy pup! That’s why it’s always a good idea to carry some dog-friendly wipes with you. Whether your dog loves rolling in fox poo or splashing in muddy puddles, these wipes make it easy to clean them up quickly after a long walk. Plus, they’re handy for wiping off any mud that might get on your hands too!
6. Dog Toys
If you’re in an open area, why not bring along some dog toys? Exploring new places can be exciting, but your dog might get bored and want to run around or chase something. A ball or frisbee can make the walk more fun for your pup and help them burn off some extra energy!
7. Dog Blanket
A dog blanket sofa throw/dog blanket can have many uses! If you plan to stop at a local pub, a dog blanket provides your dog with a comfy place to sit. Busy places, like pubs, can be overwhelming for some dogs with all the noise and activity. Bringing along a blanket gives your dog a familiar, cozy spot to settle down and relax.
A dog blanket can also be handy in the car if you’ve traveled to your walking destination. Since some dogs find car rides stressful, having a comforting layer can help them feel more at ease, even in situations that might usually make them anxious.
8. Dog Chews or Snacks
To occupy your pup whilst you’re tucking into your pub grub, why not bring a dog chew? This gives your dog something to do instead of watching you eat! It can also provide them with a distraction from other dogs and help them settle whilst in a busy environment.
9. Dog Towel or Dog Drying Bag
Long walks can also be muddy or wet, and no one wants the wet dog smell lingering in their car! Bringing a dog towel can help you quickly dry off your pup without much fuss. You could also opt for a dog drying bag for an even quicker drying process! Simply pop your pup in the drying bag whilst on the car journey home, and by the time you arrive at your door, your pooch will be completely dry and free of any mud!
10. Dog First Aid Kit
Dogs love to explore, and you never know what bumps or scrapes they might get into during a walk. Accidents can happen, so it’s always best to be prepared. Having a dog first aid kit on hand can help you deal with those unexpected situations, from cut paws to minor stings. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
11. Emergency Dog Lead
It’s a good idea to bring a spare dog lead, especially on longer walks. You never know when your lead might break or if you could accidentally lose it. Having a backup ensures you can still walk your dog safely in case something goes wrong, so you won’t have to worry if the unexpected happens.
12. Dog Tag on Each Collar
Losing your dog is always upsetting and stressful, but knowing they have a dog tag with your details can make all the difference. If you switch between different collars for your pup, make sure each one has a tag, so you can be easily contacted if they ever go missing. It’s also important to remember that it’s the law for all domestic dogs to wear a collar with their owner’s details when out in public.
Shop All The Essentials At Pawdaw of London
Whether you’re on a small local walk or are feeling adventurous on a hike, you should ensure you have packed all the essentials before you leave the house! From dog towels to cooling coats and dog drying bags, we have everything you need to keep your pup happy at Pawdaw of London.
Dog Walking Essentials FAQs
What do you need for a dog walk?
The 6 essential items you should bring with you on a dog walk are:
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Poo bags
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A sturdy dog lead
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Hand sanitiser
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A light-up collar or hi-vis dog jacket
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A warm dog walking coat or cooling coat
Do dogs need water after every walk?
For short walks, make sure your dog’s water bowl is filled with fresh water so they can have a drink when they get home, if they’re thirsty. On longer walks, it’s crucial to bring water with you to keep your dog hydrated. While your dog might love drinking from muddy puddles or shared water bowls, it’s safest to carry your own fresh water and a collapsible bowl to ensure they have clean, safe drinking water.
Do I need to dry my dog after a walk?
If your dog is wet after a walk, it is recommended you dry your dog as soon as possible. Not only will a wet dog leave your house smelling of dog, but your pup can also develop illnesses and feel cold and uncomfortable from the excess moisture. By using a dog towel or dog drying bag, your pup will be dry in no time, allowing them to carry on with their day warm and happy.
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