January is Walk Your Dog Month! Here’s how you can celebrate!
January might be one of the coldest months of the year in Maryland, but it is also Walk Your Dog Month, a great holiday that encourages dog owners and their pets to get off the couch and enjoy the great outdoors. Below, you will see where this month of celebration came from, why it is so important, and how you can join in the fun.
What Is Walk Your Dog Month?
Walk Your Dog Month began in 2017 when a study came out from The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention finding that 56% of dogs in the United States were obese. This percentage equates to about 50 million dogs. The study noted that this number continues to increase. Obesity in pets can cause secondary conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and even cancer.
January might seem like the most uncomfortable month to take a walk, but that is why it is the designated month for walking your pet. Exercise is a year-round activity, and if you can do it in the winter, you can do it any time of year!
Why Taking Walks Is Necessary
Although it may seem okay to take a break and not do much during the coldest of winters or the hottest of summers, exercise is worth putting the time and energy into all year consistently. Making regular exercise a habit helps to reduce the rate of obesity, decrease the risk of destructive canine behavior at home, and improve mental health for both parties. Overall, walking your dog provides the necessary exercise for you and your pet to stay healthy and happy.
How to Celebrate the Month
Walk Your Dog Month is an excellent opportunity to join with many other dog owners in being intentional about getting up and walking your dog twice a day. It all begins with setting a routine and sticking to it until it becomes an enjoyable, everyday habit. There’s more to it, though: one can have plenty of fun taking your walk by styling up with a fashionable leash or jacket. Explore new places to change up the scenery and have an adventure!
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131 or 410-793-7670! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!