Tips for walking your dog if you have Parkinson's disease
We frequently get questions on how to safely walk your dog if you have Parkinson’s disease. There are no right or wrong answers to this query, however we have picked up some tips from persons with Parkinson’s. Watch our video on how to safely walk your dog with Parkinson’s.
If you have balance issues with Parkinson’s you should ask your doctor or physical therapist whether it is safe for you to hold the leash. Your healthcare team will need to assess the risk for being pulled down by the dog. Both small and large dogs can pose risks so don’t be deceived by the size of the dog.
If you can help it, do not walk alone. Take a buddy.
Stay hydrated and try not to walk during the “hottest” parts of the day
Do not use a retractable leash as the dog will be difficult to control and this can add unpredictability. You can for example be pulled onto uneven surfaces, grass and curbs. The dog can also become entangled with your legs or begin to run after a distraction (person or animal).
Consider using a short leash with knots. You can keep the dog close to you and under your control by holding the leash at the knot (see the video).
Some persons with Parkinson’s have trained their dogs to help them to “break freezing episodes” by tapping a foot or the leg. The dog also can become a cue for some people and in rare cases be useful for freezing. Be careful however because many people who freeze have balance issues and holding a leashed dog may not be the best idea.
To read more books and articles by Michael S. Okun MD check on Twitter @MichaelOkun and these websites with blogs and information on his books and http://parkinsonsecrets.com/ #Livingwith Parkinson’s #EndingPD #Parkinsonsecrets #LessonsFromTheBedside
He also serves as the Medical Advisor for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
To see more on Dr. Indu Subramanian she does live interviews of experts in Parkinson’s for the PMD Alliance.
The blog artist is Jonny Acheson.
