The hidden dangers of the city
Streets and sidewalks hide many dangers for our four-legged friends. Broken glass, hazardous waste, traps and traffic represent daily threats.
Being aware of these risks and knowing how to react can prevent accidents and save your dog's life.
Most common dangers
Here are the dangers you might encounter during walks:
Broken glass
Cuts paw pads causing painful, bleeding wounds. Be careful near dumpsters and abandoned areas.
Traps and snares
Wires, loops and animal traps can cause serious injuries or strangulation.
Vehicle traffic
Cars, motorcycles and bicycles. A dog that escapes the leash risks serious accidents.
Sharp metals
Nails, open cans, barbed wire: can puncture paws and cause infections.
Food waste
Bones, rotten food, wrappers: can cause choking, intestinal blockage or poisoning.
Construction sites and holes
Unstable surfaces, hazardous materials and holes can cause trauma and injuries.
Electrical cables
Exposed or damaged cables can cause electrocution, especially when wet.
Stagnant water
Puddles and still water may contain bacteria, parasites or toxic substances.
Most frequent injuries
These are the most common types of wounds caused by urban dangers:
Cuts and lacerations
Injured paw pads
Muzzle wounds
Bleeding
Limping
Fractures or sprains
First aid
Assess the situation
Remove the dog from danger and calm them. Assess the severity of the wound without making it worse.
Stop the bleeding
Apply pressure with a clean cloth. For deep cuts, maintain pressure during transport to the vet.
Clean superficial wounds
For minor cuts, wash with clean water and apply disinfectant. Don't use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
Protect the paw
Wrap the injured paw with a bandage or clean sock to prevent the dog from licking the wound.
Go to the vet
For deep wounds, heavy bleeding or if the dog is limping badly, take the dog to the vet immediately.
How to prevent accidents
Always keep your dog on a leash in the city, especially near traffic.
Check the path ahead to identify dangers before the dog reaches them.
Avoid areas with lots of trash, construction sites or abandoned buildings.
Check the Amico Fido map before every walk to see reports.
Train your dog in 'Stop' and 'Leave it' commands to stop them in dangerous situations.
Consider using protective booties for paw pads in risky areas.
Night walks
At night dangers are less visible. Here's how to protect yourself:
Use a light-up or reflective collar/leash to be visible to vehicles.
Bring a flashlight to illuminate the path and spot dangers.
Choose well-lit, busy routes.
Avoid isolated or unsafe areas.
Report the dangers you find
If you find glass, traps or other dangers during walks, report them on Amico Fido. You'll help protect all dogs in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog hurt their paw?
Signs include: limping, persistently licking the paw, bleeding, reluctance to walk or put weight on the paw. Always check between the paw pads.
Should I take my dog to the vet for every cut?
Superficial cuts can be treated at home. Go to the vet if: the cut is deep, bleeding won't stop, you see foreign objects, the dog is limping badly or the wound gets infected.
Are dog booties really useful?
Yes, they protect from glass, hot/cold surfaces and rough terrain. Gradual training is needed but they're very useful in urban areas.
What do I do if my dog swallows something on the street?
Don't try to induce vomiting. Contact the vet describing the object swallowed. If it's something sharp or toxic, go to the clinic immediately.
How do I report a danger on Amico Fido?
Download the app, go to the map and use the report button. You can indicate the type of danger, exact location and add a photo.