January is Walk Your Dog Month. Get up off that couch, get moving, and don’t let those sub-zero downtime temperatures drag you down. Dogs need a lot of exercise throughout the year and the perfect way to keep them active in the winter months is to take them for regular walks. Just a short walk around the block on a cold day makes a big difference.
History of Walk Your Dog Month
Walk Your Dog Month is a perfect time to blend exercise with much needed bonding time for you and your dog. The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention released a clinical study in 2017, stating that 56 of dogs in the United States are overweight. That equates to over 50 million dogs across the country.
A statement declared that “The number of dogs with clinical obesity continues to increase. Clinical obesity results in further secondary conditions like arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and certain forms of cancer. Dogs that are overweight or obese also have reduced quality of life, and shorter life expectancy.”
Regular walks and exercise can help control your canine’s weight and limit the chances of them getting fat. January may feel like a cold month to be placing emphasis on dog walking, but that’s why it’s the right time to do it. Your dog needs walking all year round and if you can do it in January, then you can do it all the time.
How to Celebrate Walk Your Dog Month
Change your routine
After a period of you and your dog walking the same route, it can start to feel boring. Change up your path a little to produce further excitement.
Walk With Your Dog in Style
Treat your dog to a brand new colored leash or a fancy water bottle to take on their walk. These little changes make a big difference.
Show Your Dog Some New Tricks
Showing them some new tricks is a chance for you to not only spend some time together, but to burn off energy as well. This is a great way for you and your dog to get some exercise.
Five Facts About Walk Your Dog Month
Dogs Can See Color
It’s a common myth that dogs are color blind. They can in fact see color, but just not as vividly as humans.
Canidae
Dogs, wolves, foxes, and jackals all belong to the Canidae family, which is one of seven carnivore families.
Improves Mental Well Being
Physical exertion releases endorphins that produce a state of happiness. Because your canine is cooped up in the house most of the winter months, that walk will surely enhance their spirits.
Over an Hour a Day
Dog owners walk an average of nine hours per week.However, this equates to 58 kilometers per week, If walking at normal speed. That’s a good amount of exercise.
Monday Blues
Monday is the most skipped day when it comes to dog walking. It sounds like a lot of people are suffering from the Monday blues.
If you require dog walking services in Kelowna, contact us to hear about our rates.