We are celebrating Walk Your Dog Month in January as a reminder for you to get outside with your pooch daily! Regular walks are essential to keep your pup happy and healthy. Plus, it gets you off the couch and out enjoying our beautiful Hawaiian winter weather.

Benefits of Daily Walks

There are many benefits of doing daily walks with your dog. The most important is that regular exercise protects your pup from becoming obese. According to The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention, over 56% of American dogs are obese, and that number continues to increase. Being overweight leads to a shorter life span for your pooch, along with a decreased quality of life. Obesity often leads to kidney diseases, arthritis, high blood pressure and even some forms of cancer. 

The activity of an outdoor walk boosts the mental well-being of your pup by releasing happiness-inducing endorphins. This exercise is especially important if your dog spends most of the day indoors.

Daily walks also give you and your dog more bonding time, especially when you stop for a few rounds of catch or disc golf. This extra mental stimulation and time with you may also improve your pup's behavior if it feels it has not gotten enough attention from you lately or is suffering from boredom.

Walking the dog allows both of you to make new friends with other pups and their pet parents. That social activity is good for both of you.

Ways To Celebrate Walk Your Dog Month

The best way to celebrate Walk Your Dog Month is to commit to a daily outing with your pooch. Here are some other ideas to enjoy this month:

GET A NEW STYLE

Even dogs like something new now and then. Consider getting a colorful leash, collar, or bandana. How about an eye-catching outfit to wear while prancing out and about?  Your pup will love the extra attention it gets with these fancy new accessories.

MIX UP THE ROUTINE

The same route over and over gets boring to your dog and for you too. Why not mix it up this month and seek new trails to conquer, perhaps even that hiking trail you have wanted to try. Your pup will be excited if you even just walk down different streets in your neighborhood for a change.

TRY NEW TRICKS

You can increase your pooch's exercise for the day by introducing it to a few new tricks. Have a handful of favorite treats ready, and then attempt to teach the classic spin move or standing on hind legs. If you have not mastered disc golf yet, January is a great month to learn it.

Join us this month in celebrating Walk Your Dog Month by getting out with your pup daily in our Hawaiian sunshine. These regular jaunts will benefit both you and your dog in staying healthy and happy.

There is a reason the Pet Hospitals of Hawaii gets voted Hawaii's Best Veterinarian Clinic year after year. We have offered trusted care to your pets since 1972. Schedule an appointment today at one of our three locations.