Direct4Pet, one of the country’s largest online veterinary approved pet retailers, is backing a campaign to get people out walking their dogs in the winter months by offering advice to dog owners on how to prepare for those wintery walks.
Walk Your Dog Month is an international initiative designed to dust off those January blues and get people out and about, to meet other dog walkers and improve their own and their dogs’ well being. It is an ideal opportunity to lose a few pounds that have been put on during the festive season and also to help avoid pet obesity.
The third Monday in January is officially known as Blue Monday (19 January) and is based on a formula which calculates the weather conditions, the level of debt, the time since Christmas, time since failing our New Year’s Resolutions and low motivational levels.
To combat the January blues many people believe that this is a good time to start exercising, take up an activity you have wanted to do for ages and enjoy time with friends and family. Being with your four-legged friend also gives pet owners the opportunity to strengthen the bond between owner and dog as they enjoy long winter walks together.
Lynne Jones, owner of Therapeutic Mentoring who coaches individuals in all aspects of mental health and is a dog owner herself says: “The simple act of taking your dog for a walk every day is beneficial not only for your health and well-being but the love and connection that this daily routine also provides helps to nurture you emotionally and spiritually as well.”
Garry Howard, Director of Direct4Pet believes that it is vitally important to exercise your dog in the winter months and to feed a good diet to improve your dog’s immune system and to protect the joints, coat and with quality supplements.
As well as feeding your dog a nutritious diet and supplements, Garry advises that you should:
- Make sure that they have a warm protective coat on and a strong collar and lead that are reflective in some way so that they are visible in the dark nights or in bad weather.
- Make sure to dry their coats and paws after a walk and if out in snowy conditions, wash their paws to make sure that there is no salt left in the pads and fur as this can lead to issues if they lick their paws and moisturise them to stop cracked skin using a paw balm. Keep the fur short around the paws as well and preferably wear boots in snowy weather. Nose balm will also help to protect your dog’s noses from the winter rays and the cold.
- It is also important to plan ahead and look for cues if your dog has had enough of the cold.
- Carry a first aid kit with you if walking in remote areas and carry a flash light.
- Carry a drink for yourself and your dog.
As a UK-based, RCVS-registered veterinary pharmacy and pet-care retailer, Direct4Pet provides a full range of products — prescription medicines, food, supplements, accessories and everyday essentials — all overseen by qualified veterinary professionals. Products to cater for these needs can be found on their online store.
Here are some ways to participate in this year’s Walk Your Dog Month.
- Commit to Daily Walks: Pledge to walk your dog every day in January, regardless of the weather.
- Discover New Routes: Explore different walking paths, parks, and nature trails to keep your dog engaged and excited.
- Involve the Whole Family: Encourage family members to participate in dog walks, making it a shared activity.
- Set Goals: Challenge yourself and your dog by setting walking goals, such as increasing the distance or trying new activities like hiking.
- Observe Safety: Ensure your dog is safely leashed during walks and equipped with proper identification.
- Socialise: Use dog walks as an opportunity for your furry friend to socialise with other dogs and people at dog-friendly parks.
- Document the Journey: Capture memorable moments during your walks and share them on social media using dedicated hashtags.
- #WalkYourDogMonth
- #DogExercise
- #HealthyPets
- #DogWalking
- #HappyDogs
For further information visit: www.direct4pet.co.uk
