Winter Safety Tips for January's National Walk Your Dog Month!

NEW YORK - Dec. 20, 2017 - PRLog -- Pet owners across the nation will celebrate walking their four-legged friend during January's National Walk Your Dog Month! This is the perfect time to commit to giving your canine companion more activity and exercise to keep them happy, healthy and thriving.

There are many benefits to walking your dog regularly; so even though it is chilly outside you should still continue your exercise routine. Daily walks can lengthen your pet's life and improve your quality of life too. Other benefits for Fido include: promotes weight control and digestive health, alleviates destructive behavior and hyperactivity, strengthens your bond, encourages socialization, and boosts mental and physical health.

As we gear up for the winter season, it's important to staymindful of potential risks outdoors. Here are a few tips on how to help keep your canine safe and warm during every walk this winter.

• Plan ahead: Before you head out, it's a smart idea to check the weather and wind chill. If it's colder than normal, prepare on how you're going to protect your pup from freezing temperatures, snow, ice or rain.

• Bundle up: Pet sweaters or jackets can do wonders when walking during the colder months. Many dogs, especially shorthaired breeds, are not equipped for winter weather. This can protect them from hypothermia too.

• Daytime walks: If possible, walk when the sun is out. This helps to keep the dog warmer, makes the both of you more visible to oncoming traffic, and it will also help you spot ice patches easier.

• Keep them leashed: Most dogs love playing in the snow but it is so important to keep them leashed. In heavy snowfall, dogs can quickly loose their scent and become lost. The leash will also protect your dog around potentially dangerous areas like bodies of water.

• Protect paws: It may be a good idea to invest in a pair of dog booties for your winter excursions. This will help to protect their paws from ice, snow, and the chemicals used in ice salt and melts. If your dog isn't a fan of the booties, be sure to wipe their paws thoroughly after every walk.

• Exercise Indoors: If walking outdoors during the freezing months seems undesirable to you, exercise indoor with Fido instead. K9 Fit Club®, the nation's pioneer and leader in human/canine fitness, dedicated to the health, fitness, and wellness of dogs and their people, offers a variety of indoor classes around the country. These proprietary fitness programs are taught in a controlled small group environment by K9 Fit Club Master Trainers in licensed K9 Fit Club locations. Both the human and the dog benefit physically from the structured physical activities. This could be a great option for pet families this winter season and beyond! Learn more and find a K9 Fit Club® program at: http://k9fitclub.com/.

Start off on the right paw in 2018 and make safe walking and regular exercise a top-priority!