Walk Your Dog Month 2025
14th January 2025
14th January 2025
January is Walk Your Dog Month! This dedicated month offers numerous benefits for both pet owners and their furry companions. It’s the perfect opportunity to beat those January blues, engage in social activities, explore the local area and enhance your dog’s overall wellbeing.
Did you know that canine obesity is one of the most common health issues in dogs? Much like human obesity, it arises from an energy imbalance: more intake than expenditure.
According to a report by Burgess Pet Care, 51% of dogs in the UK are obese, with an additional 600,000 pets being overweight. Pugs, in particular, are among the breeds most prone to obesity, with three-quarters classified as obese by veterinary professionals.
The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention highlights that obesity in pets can lead to various secondary conditions, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease and certain cancers. Obese pets also experience a reduced quality of life and a shorter life expectancy.
Key signs of canine obesity include difficulty feeling the dog’s waistline, sagging abdominal areas, a fuller face, reluctance to walk or slower walking speeds, excessive panting, lethargy, needing assistance to climb onto furniture or into cars and a lack of interest in play.
For effective weight management, feed your dog a diet rich in protein and fibre while keeping fat intake low. Avoid feeding leftovers and scraps, and always check packaging for recommended serving sizes. Resisting those doe-eyed glances from your pet is tough, but it’s vital to their health.
January’s chilly weather may not always be inviting for outdoor activities, but prioritising your pet’s physical and mental wellbeing is essential. Regular walks and exercise are key to combating excess weight.
During Walk Your Dog Month, consider establishing a routine beneficial for both you and your furry friend. Gradually increasing exercise levels – such as more frequent or longer walks – can significantly reduce the risk of obesity and related health issues.
With 70% of Tunbridge Wells designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s an ideal locale to celebrate Walk Your Dog Month. Here are some local favourites:
Spanning 27.5 miles, this trail circles the town with links to the Royal town centre. Tackle it in smaller sections, passing points of interest like Groombridge Place Gardens and the Chagall windows at All Saints’ Church in Tudeley.
Crossing Kent and Sussex, this 80-mile walk takes you through the chalk ridges of the North and South Downs and meanders through the Weald. Starting in Gravesend, North Kent, it passes through Tunbridge Wells and ends in Eastbourne, Sussex.
The Commons are rich with delights for both you and your furry friends. Explore stunning rock formations, natural sandpits, and habitats brimming with diverse plant and animal life.
Of course, a leisurely stroll along the historic Pantiles is the perfect way to spend time with your dog. Browse bespoke artworks in shop windows, enjoy locally sourced gastronomic delights at dog-friendly venues, or simply soak in the beautiful scenery.
Looking for stylish and practical accessories for your dog walks? Visit Collared, a charming dog accessory and gift boutique located in The Pantiles. They stock a wide range of high-quality products from renowned brands like Puppia, West Paw, Wacky Walker, Ruffwear, Walters, Hunter and Flexi.
The friendly team at Collared loves meeting customers, especially the four-legged kind, and is always happy to offer expert advice on all things canine.
This January, take advantage of Walk Your Dog Month to explore the stunning surroundings of Tunbridge Wells, improve your dog’s fitness and discover everything The Pantiles has to offer. Whether it’s a brisk walk on a frosty morning or a relaxing meander through The Pantiles, this is the perfect time to celebrate your furry companion and the joy they bring to your life.