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January is National Walk Your Dog Month –
If you’re a dog owner, you’ll know that every month is walk your dog month, our furry friends need regular exercise all year round! But during January – with Christmas a distant memory and the cold weather continuing – it can be tempting to put off walking your dog, or do the bare minimum.
Walking your dog can bring benefits for both of you, which can be especially important particularly this January!
Regular exercise with your dog is great for both of you and improves your fitness without the need to hit the gym – which are closed at the moment!
Getting out and about can be good for your mental wellbeing as it takes you away from the stresses of everyday life. With time to process your thoughts, the effect of your dog’s excitable happiness when they realise it’s time for walkies, and the shared camaraderie and exchanges with other dog walkers (socially distanced!) will leave you feeling brighter, more enthusiastic and less anxious.
If you’ve been spending time indoors with windows closed and the heating on, you may have forgotten just how good it feels to get some fresh air. Breathing deeply can clear your lungs, unblock a congested nose, give you more energy and focus your mind. It’s good for lowering heart rate and blood pressure too.
Plus, being outside gives your dog chance to be a dog! Dogs love sniffing out scents and exploring; so, while it may not be the fresh air they’re breathing in, they’ll appreciate the benefits it brings. It will also aid their food digestion, and energy levels.
If you’re guilty of spending a lot of time on your mobile phone, games console, or watching box sets on TV, going outside can be a welcome distraction. Take in your local area, absorb your surroundings, and enjoy living in the moment. Spend time focussing purely on your dog; run around the park with them or take a ball to play fetch. They’ll appreciate your attention. Your tech will still be there when you get back.
Why not share your walk photos with us on social media. Get outside, take notice of your surroundings & reap the benefits . . .