National Walk Your Dog Month

January is National Walk Your Dog Month. So, don’t let the cold weather hold you back, it’s time to go out and give your pup the exercise that they need. Dogs need a lot of exercise to stay healthy. In fact, the best way to do that is by taking them on routine walks during the cold winter months. Even if it’s a short walk around the block, the smallest amount of exercise can highly benefit the health of your dog. 

Studies have shown that nearly 56% of dogs in the United States are obese. To clarify, that equates to nearly 50 million dogs living with obesity in the United States alone. 

The main concerns with pet obesity is the rate at which it is becoming increasingly more common in dogs and the secondary conditions that are caused from being overweight. Specifically, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and certain types of cancer. In addition, if your pet is overweight, then their life expectancy will shorten along with their quality of life. Above all, regulating the amount of times that you walk your dog will reduce any chances of them becoming overweight and experiencing any secondary conditions.

Health Benefits for All Dogs:

1. Weight and body condition
2. Joint health
3. Digestive and urinary health
4. Mental health
5. Emotional health
6. Personal health

If you are unable to join a dog walking event, we have a simple solution. For instance, create your own walking event in your neighborhood and encourage your neighbors to participate too. If that isn’t an option for you, simply take an hour from your day and spend some quality one-on-one time with your dog. Keep things interesting, and try switching up the location where you walk your dog at every once in a while.

At DVMPro, we are celebrating National Walk Your Dog Month while following appropriate COVID-19 restrictions. All of our employees with dogs were encouraged to participate by going out and taking their furry friend on a walk. Don’t let the cold weather trick you into staying inside, take action, and go on a quick walk with your pup. In short, they will end up thanking you in the long run.

Works Cited

“5 Major Health Benefits of Dog-Walking for Pet Owners.” LifeLearn Inc., 3 Nov. 2020, www.lifelearn.com/2018/10/04/health-benefits-of-dog-walking/.

Melanie HaynesMelanie is the owner and founder of Brevard’s premier trusted in-home pet care company. With a Sociology & Criminal Justice degree from the University of Tennessee. “Top 5 Benefits of Daily Dog Walks.” Space Coast Pet Services, 28 June 2020, www.spacecoastpetservices.com/2020/02/27/top-5-benefits-of-daily-dog-walks/.

“WALK YOUR DOG MONTH – January 2021.” National Today, nationaltoday.com/walk-dog-month/.