National Walk Your Dog Week 2024: When It Is & What to Do
By Brooke Bundy
Updated on
Are you ready? Set? Go! Fido knows National Walk Your Dog Week will be here before you know it, and he’s ready with his leash in his mouth. National Walk Your Dog Week takes place during the first week of October. October 1st–7th marks the occasion for 2024. While dog walking is a normal part of responsible pet ownership, everyone gets busy. Just like our own exercise routines, sometimes walking the dog is a habit that slips through the cracks when life hits the fan. National Walk Your Dog Week provides the perfect opportunity to get you and your dog back into a rhythm of walking daily, and will hopefully kickstart the new habit through the rest of the year.
History of National Walk Your Dog Week
Concerned by the rise of pet obesity, Colleen Paige founded National Walk Your Dog Week in 2010. Paige initially planned the holiday to be a one-day affair but decided that a full week would be more effective for raising awareness and forming new habits. Paige is also responsible for creating other pet holidays, such as National Dog Day, National Cat Day, National Puppy Day, and National Pet Day.
Why National Walk Your Dog Week Is Important
Did you know that over half of the canine population in the United States is considered overweight or obese?1 The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports these startling numbers, which is almost as bad as the current 69% rate for humans.2
Unfortunately, superfluous pounds cause more problems for dogs than a little extra fluff. A study of Labrador Retrievers revealed that obesity may decrease a dog’s life expectancy by 2 years alone. That’s a lot of lost time that can usually be prevented by implementing a solid exercise plan, feeding a healthy balanced diet, and skipping the table scraps.
How to Walk Your Dog During National Walk Your Dog Week and Beyond
The best way to celebrate seems obvious: grab the leash and hit the road with your dog! Here are some tips on how to effectually build your new routine:
1. Take Weather and Seasons into Account.
Avoid extreme weather by walking in the middle of the day during daylight hours in winter and opting for twilight excursions during the summer.
2. Protect Their Paws
Hot pavement and ice can equally wreak havoc on your dog’s paws. You should usually protect them with shoes if it’s above 75ºF or below 45ºF. There are a few breed exceptions, however, such as Siberian Huskies who have webbed paws made for handling snowy conditions. Be sure to thoroughly research how to care for your particular breed before investing in their new treads.
3. Ask Your Vet How Much Exercise Your Dog Needs
The average dog needs at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise every day. However, that number changes drastically depending on breed, life stage, and your dog’s individual health needs. Your vet will be able to help you create a more target exercise plan that meets your dog’s requirements.
4. Consider Indoor Places to Walk for Rainy Days
If the weather isn’t cooperating, think about places that allow dogs indoors. Most hardware stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot welcome well-behaved, leash dogs. A quick romp around the store can help your dog stretch their legs while not breaking your walking streak. And of course, there’s always the pet store, where your dog can happily enjoy a post-workout treat.
5. Try to Stick With It at the Same Time
Setting an alarm can help you remember it’s time to walk the dog. Canines are quick learners, so they’ll begin to prompt you before the alarm rings, likely before the end of the week.
6. Make the Time Count
Consistency is more important than how long you get to walk. Even if you only have 15 minutes that day, it’s better to go out for a short while than skip the walk entirely. That way, on the day you have more time, the habit is already in place.
7. Don’t Kick Yourself if You Miss a Day
Everyone has sick days, or unexpected schedule changes. If you miss a day, look forward to tomorrow instead of spending time in regret.
Conclusion
National Walk Your Dog Week was founded to help dogs and their owners take a step in the right direction to prevent obesity. Taking a walk is crucial year-round, but the first week of October each year provides the perfect opportunity to build a new daily habit if you haven’t already. The health and mood boost benefits you and your dog. Plus, dogs that exercise regularly are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors when they come home, so it might be the saving grace for your sofa, too.
Featured Image Credit: graycat, Shutterstock
