New Year’s resolutions for you and your dog
January 14, 2020
It’s that time when many of us make New Year’s Resolutions – often involving the words ‘diet’ and ‘exercise’. But it’s not just humans that tend to get a little heavier and a little less active during the festive season – our canine companions are likely to enjoy a few extra treats and more hours lying around too.
So it’s a no-brainer that January is Walk Your Dog Month, and, encouraged by our head nurse Justina, all the team at The Vet Whetstone will be getting behind this initiative. We don’t need to tell you the importance of exercise when it comes to your pet, but we have got a few reminders about some of the less considered benefits. As always, we’re here to offer advice and support when you contact us.
Contact us for advice on dog exercise
There are many benefits to getting out and about in the great outdoors, especially on those wonderful crisp winter days we hope we’re looking forward to. Aside from the smug feeling you get of having got your daily steps in and the joy that seeing your dog racing around and socialising can bring, regular exercise helps ward off some common canine illnesses.
Lack of exercise is a major contributory factor to obesity in dogs, which in turn can lead to the likes of high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and a generally shorter life expectancy. The same goes for humans too, of course, so those regular dog walks are doing both of you good.
Quite often people cite a busy working life as one of the reasons they don’t walk as often as they could, so Walk Your Dog month is the perfect time to find a way around that excuse. Give yourself something to aim for – a regular slot, a set minimum walking time.
It’s a new year so why not start a search for some new walking locations? Download some country or coastal walk maps from the internet and ask around when you meet other walkers out. You may be surprised by how many local walks there might be that you didn’t know about – it could be a journey of discovery for both of you.
If you’re at all worried about starting a different exercise regime for your dog, we are always happy to advise when you contact us on 020 8368 9798 or book an appointment to come in and see our nurses or vets.