3 Things Your Dog Will Need Living in the City

If you’ve decided to move to the city and you’re worried about how your pooch will adjust to the change, your concern is valid. A common misconception is that dogs don’t have enough entertainment to be happy when living in an urban setting. That’s not true at all. Not only are there more creative means for you to bond with your dog, but also frequent opportunities for you to do so.

Living with a dog in the city requires certain precautions that you must practice at all times. For instance, putting a leash on your dog at all times is a must, and you’ll probably do it without anybody having to remind you. But we’re here to put forth three things that you must buy — things that you probably would never have had to take into consideration in a rural setting.

Things to Buy for a Dog in the City

Water Bottle

You don’t have ponds or water beds in a city, as one usually does in a rural setting. During the crazy summer heat in a rural area, if your dog gets dehydrated, they’ll resort to the nearest cool spot with water. Since they grow up in those conditions, the water quality and living situations serve them well. 

In the city, if you’re out with your dog around the block, you won’t have access to such water bodies. You will have to carry around a water bottle with you so you can keep your dog hydrated. 

Dog Pee Pad

You probably never had to worry about training your dog to pee in a certain spot, because you’d just let them out into the yard to do their business. In a city, though, you have to train your dog to pee at a certain spot outdoors or on a dog pee pad, because the chances of having a yard in the city are slim. An alternative is to take your dog out for multiple walks so that they can relieve themselves in a park or bush.

Dog Shoes

It becomes impossible for dogs to walk on hot pavements during the summer. Dogs have paw pads that provide them cushioning, but they’re prone to injuries and burns. Just as it’s impossible for us to walk bare naked on a hot road, it is impossible for dogs as well — as opposed to running in a grassy area. You must, therefore, invest in a pair of dog shoes or booties for your dog so their feet are well protected from injuries and burns.

Concluding With Some Tips for Pet Parents Living With Dogs in the City

• Always avoid walking your dog on hot pavements. If you have to walk them in the summer, do so early in the morning.
• Get to know the dog park situation so both you and your dog have time to bond with other dogs and their owners.
• Always keep your dog leashed when you’re taking them out.
• Ask other dog owners before letting your pet say hello to their pooch.
• An excellent way to bond with your dog is with treats and toys. It’ll also help you to better train them to listen to your commands.
• Avoid getting hard to train dogs like pitbull — they can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
• Pet registration is an important part of living in the city. If you fail to register them, you hinder your chances of getting them back in case they’re taken away.
• Make sure to teach your dog important commands like sit, wait, come and leave.
• If you’re planning to move to a city, try and do so with a small pup. The younger your dog is, the easier it will be for both of you.
• Make sure your pooch is getting the required exercise. Life in cities can be busy and your busy routine may quickly turn your dog into a couch potato.