Walk Your Dog Month 2023
17th January 2023
17th January 2023
Did you know that January is Walk Your Dog Month? With benefits for both you and your dog(s), January is the perfect opportunity to shrug off post-Christmas blues, get socialising and improve your dog’s wellbeing as well as your own!
Canine obesity is the most common nutritional disorder seen in dogs. As per human obesity, it’s caused by an imbalance of taking in more energy than giving out.
According to one report by Burgess Pet Care, 51% of dogs in the UK are obese, with almost 600,000 more UK pets being overweight. Pugs were the dog breed most likely to be overweight, with three quarters categorised as obese by vets.
The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention declares that: “The number of pets with clinical obesity continues to increase. Clinical obesity results in more secondary conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and certain forms of cancer. Pets with obesity also have reduced quality of life and shorter life expectancy.”
Signs of canine obesity include:
Obesity in dogs can lead to diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, arthritis, hormone disorders, cancers, greater risks from anaesthetic and surgical complications and even early death.
A diet that is rich in protein and fibre whilst being low in fat, is recommended for weight loss in dogs. It is also advisable to avoid feeding dogs leftovers and scraps. Always check on packets and tins as to the recommended daily serving amount. Succumbing to your pet’s doe-eyed glances and cute mannerisms could do more harm than good!
While January is one of the colder months, and the prospect of venturing outdoors amongst frost, rain and snow isn’t favourable, it is essential for your pet’s physical and mental wellbeing. By taking regular walks and exercise, this can help to beat the bulge!
By making a concerted effort during Walk Your Dog Month, you can create a routine from which you and dog can benefit. By steadily increasing the levels of exercise (eg, taking walks more often or walking further) you can reduce the likelihood of obesity and associated conditions.
Did you know that at least 70% of Tunbridge Wells is designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? This means it’s the perfect location to enjoy Walk Your Dog Month! Some local walks include:
This walk has 27.5 miles of paths surrounding the town, along with links to the Royal town centre. It can of course be tackled in smaller sections! The Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk passes many points of interest including Groombridge Place Gardens and the Chagall windows at All Saints’ Church in Tudeley.
This walk runs across the counties of Kent and Sussex, along the chalk ridges of the North and South Downs and through the Weald.
The Wealdway Walk stretches for approximately 80 miles and begins from Old Father Thames, the famous river at Gravesend in North Kent, and continues through Tunbridge Wells before ending in Eastbourne, Sussex.
The Tunbridge Wells & Rusthall Commons are bursting with delights for you and your faithful friends to enjoy. From the unique geology that has supported stunning rock formations and natural sandpits, to habitats that attract a wide range of plants and animals, the Commons have it all.
The Commons weave a rich thread through the history of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall, from Stone Age hunter-gatherers to Saxon swineherds and medieval lords of the manor. It is fascinating to read how the inhabitants of the past created the beautiful Commons that we all know and love today.
Of course, a walk along the historical Pantiles is the perfect way to spend a few hours with your pooch.
Whether you want to browse bespoke art works in our windows, tuck into locally sourced gastronomic delights in our dog-friendly bars and cafes, or simply stroll along the streets soaking up the stunning scenery, The Pantiles is the perfect place to visit during Walk Your Dog Month.
Looking for the perfect dog walking accessories? Collared is a dog accessory and gift shop in the heart of The Pantiles, catering for all your canine needs. The store sources top quality products from around the world for dogs and dog lovers. These include Puppia, West Paw, Wacky Walker, Rough Wear, Walters, Hunter and Flexi. The staff at Collared love to meet customers, especially the furry variety, and are well placed to offer advice on all dog-related topics.
#WalkYourDogMonth