We know biking may be a fun sport for humans, but it can get really twisted when they take their fur babies along. While your puppy can explore new places, get an opportunity to exercise, and enjoy good weather in your company, the whole episode can go haywire if you don’t prepare well for the biking event that includes a young puppy.
At any point, pet safety must take precedence over your penchant for thrilling cycling adventures. You must know that not all pups can catch up with their biker parent’s pace while staying within safety parameters simultaneously. A puppy may be easily susceptible to exhaustion, breathing issues, bone and joint troubles, muscular stress, paw pads wearing out, and more.
Puppy insurance can provide you with a medical financial backup so you can tackle pet emergencies like these with little inconvenience. However, that can’t be enough reason to needlessly strain your fur baby with a rapid biking episode. Dog insurance in NZ encourages puppy parents to support their furry companions with superior medical care by potentially making the whole affair economical.
Consider buying pet insurance if you don’t have a policy already. In the meantime, contemplate the following questions on biking with puppies, so you know if it is the right thing to do with your dear pup this weekend.
Is it legal?
In some countries, leading your dog while biking may be illegal. Make an effort to check the local rules and guidelines around biking with your pet puppy before heading out, so you don’t violate the law of the land or throw yourself, your puppy, and other commuters into a risky situation.
Is your puppy fit enough?
A puppy that isn’t physically fit may have a hard time running beside you in an attempt to keep up with your biking speed. For instance, flat-faced, overweight, short-nosed, thick-coated, older dogs and dogs suffering from chronic medical conditions may face serious troubles while engaging in an activity like this. Instead, consider taking them along in a trailer, dog backpack, basket, or dog bike carrier.
Is your puppy well trained for a biking trip?
A puppy that isn’t explicitly trained for running on a biking trip may confront several challenges during the venturesome event. For instance, a quickly moving squirrel or a few flying birds may be just enough to distract your puppy from the actual task. Your puppy may lose control, ignore your commands, bump into your bike, make you fall or get hurt, and in the worst case, even escape from the scene.
Do you have pet biking gear ready?
A convenient dog harness, GPS tags, dog carrier, bicycle dog leash, pet essentials, lights, sweater/jacket/rain gear (depending on the season), dog glasses (if it is windy/sunny), dog boots, dog sunscreen, water bottles, etc., need to be on your biking checklist.
Does your puppy enjoy biking with you?
More than anything, check if your puppy is happy about an idea like this. You can do some brief trial sessions to know whether your pet pup loves to be around your bike or walk along when you ride at a moderate speed. Based on your puppy’s response, consider taking this idea forward; else, it is best to leave them at home where they can be safe and comfortable while you indulge in biking outdoors.
It is best to rule out outdoor activities with enormous stakes for your pup. While you can take yourself out for biking, reflect on your puppy’s health and safety before asking them to join in. Dog insurance NZ can cover your puppy’s diagnosis and treatment during accidents, injuries, allergies, particular illnesses, and more, depending on the chosen pet plan. Puppy insurance can help you offer your puppy pal quality medical care for covered health conditions at affordable costs. So, why hesitate to explore this opportunity?
