The Walk Your Dog Month

Did you know that JANUARY is NATIONAL WALK YOUR DOG MONTH?

I am pretty sure someone who lives in Florida and has an odd sense of humor made this decision.  Not to mention that coming up in February (the worst winter month of the year in Pennsylvania) on the 22nd is...........

​NATIONAL WALK YOUR DOG DAY!!!!!!

The weather does not look like this in January.

There are several reasons WHY I think the coldest months (at least for us in the Endless Mountains and Northern Tier) received the National designations.

• We needed to go back to our Viking heritage of laughing at the cold.
• Getting up off the couch and unwrapped from throw blankets sets us apart from BEARS--who hibernate.
• Retailers required someone buy the multitudes of lined boots and long underwear left over from holiday sales.

Okay, okay.  I realize I am just venting with these ideas.

Why Winter Walking is a Good Thing

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but winter walking is actually really good for you, and your dog, as long as you think about a few things.  Every January 1, regardless of the weather, I take one of our dogs for a walk, maybe even two or more of them if it's above 20 degrees, and I can repeat the process without a deep thaw being required in between each one.

First, I take into consideration the following things for safety.

• Wind Chill : Outside Temperature Ratio
• Salt and Ice Melt treatment practices where I walk
• Age and health of the dog

I can always add things to the equation to combat the elements, like doggy boots (to keep snow and ice build up off foot pads) and a good doggy coat; and honestly, it seems the dogs really do enjoy the snow and cold more than I do.

A very snowy Moe.

Some Really Good Reasons for Winter Walks

1. Boost Physical Activity - I don't know about you, but in the winter, binge watching Netflix, Hulu, BBC and Paramount Plus is one of my main activities.  My dogs love it because they get to lay around and get occasional popcorn, or whatever snack I am having.  But, getting outside gets the body moving, more caloric burn (34% more) in cold weather, and increases heart and lung health for both you and your canine friend.
   
2. Better Sleep - You know that old adage:  a good dog is a tired dog?  Well, in the winter, cold air invigorates our senses and causes our body to work a little harder.  Walking or snowshoeing through snow (for us) or leaping through mounds of the white fluff (our dogs), makes for better and longer restful periods when we return back inside.
   
3. Strengthen Bones & Improve Muscle Endurance - Some would argue that this benefit is just as likely in good weather, but in winter--and especially when there is snow--the resistance pressure from working through snow, coupled with the cold, makes for stronger bones and muscles.
   

We have owned many dogs (17) over the years, and only TWO actually hated the snow.  It is safe to say most dogs love to romp and play in it, and unlike their human counterparts, hardly ever complain about it.

So get off that couch and get out there with your pooch. Winter is waiting!

Maverick, our neighbor's dog, oblivious to the snow and cold.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet.  To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Atlanta pet photographer Courtney Bryson, who is currently searching for perfect canine candidates, as she discusses the next round of "Unleashed Challenges - Emerge," which contains 12 brand new challenges.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until ou find yourself back here.  Enjoy!  Have a great winter walking weekend!