There are many rewards to celebrating Walk Your Pet Month
January is Walk Your Pet Month! January is the perfect time to start walking your pets more because you should aspire to start 2021 on the right foot as a pet parent. If your pets don’t spend enough time outdoors, add this goal to your New Year’s resolution list. Today we’re going to go over some leash training do’s and don’ts, cold weather safety tips, and share a few benefits of celebrating Walk Your Pet Month.
Leash Training Do’s and Dont’s
- Do engage with your dog while on your walk by saying their name in a pleasant tone.
- Do reward your pets with praise or treats for good behavior while out on walks.
- Do invest in a properly fitted collar. Unsure of what type of collar to get? Please call to speak with Kathy, our trainer!
- Do allow brief introductions with other dogs, ensuring that you socially distance yourself.
- Do ensure that your pup is comfortable with the leash by walking them in the house first.
- Don’t invest in a retractable leash.
- Don’t use an excessively long leash.
- Don’t tie your pet up outside of a store and leave them unattended.
- Don’t take your pet out to a park if they haven’t had their core vaccinations.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
- Bundle up your dog, especially if they aren’t a breed that adapts well to colder weather.
- Protect your pup’s paws by buying booties.
- Use a leash even for well-behaved pets. Winter poses visibility issues if a pet becomes lost. Fortunately, microchips exist and have a high success rate of returning lost pets to their homes.
- Avoid ponds and pathways with chemical salt.
- Pay attention to your pet’s body language. If your pet shivers and shakes or shows any level of discomfort, bring them back home.
The Benefits of Celebrating Walk Your Pet Month
- Being outside excellent for you and your pet’s health
- If “exercise” is on your resolutions list, why not exercise with your pet?
- You’ll disconnect from technology for a little while.
- You’ll be bonding with your pet more!
- You have another reason to share cute pics or videos of your pets on social media. Use the hashtag #WalkYourPetMonth
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!