This week has been National Walk Your Dog Week!  As the weather turns cooler, many of us prefer to stay indoors.  But what about your pooch?  While some dogs prefer to stay toasty warm inside with us (we have to scoot them out to potty), others love the cooler weather and enjoy being out in it.

 

There are 2 good reasons to brave the cooler weather and get outside walking with your dog.  First of all, it’s fun exercise for you and your dog!  Many people complain about extra pounds around the holidays.  Part of this could be because we don’t get as much exercise as we do in warmer weather.  Dogs are the same way.  Obesity is a problem among dogs and carries similar health risks as with overweight people.  Even on a brisk day, take your dog for a 15 minute walk once or twice a day.  You’ll both be glad you did!

 

The second reason to get out walking in cooler weather is for your dog to work out some energy.  Imagine being a kid and told you cannot go outside and play.  After a couple days of this, you’re going to be going stir crazy and get into trouble looking for stuff to do!  Well, so is your dog.  You may notice your dog getting into more mischief than usual.  Your dog is bored and wants attention.  He’s finding something to do, and he gets your attention when you tell him no or chase him down for the sock he stole.  Instead, grab the leash and take him for a walk to work out some of that energy.

 

There are several dog parks and metro parks in the Columbus area that allow leashed dogs. 

-         Please be sure your dogs are properly vaccinated and on heartworm prevention (for intestinal parasite control as well as heartworm prevention). 

-         Please obey signs and rules regarding pets on trails and in parks.  Keep your pet on a leash at all times-you never know what another animal may do, even if you trust your dog.

-         Be sure to clean up your pet’s waste.  This helps keep the area clean for the next people and pets to use, as well as cut down on parasites and diseases passing to other animals or people.

-         If you know your dog is not good with other dogs or people, try a basket muzzle while walking.  Gentle Leaders and Easy Walk Harnesses make good walking aides as well.

 

For dog friendly trails in Central Ohio’s Metro Parks, check out their website at www.metroparks.net.  Prairie Oaks Metro Park (Plain City/West Jefferson area) has an area where dogs can run and swim off leash.  Scioto Audubon Metro Park (south Columbus) has a dog park with separate large and small dog areas.

 

Other Dog Parks in the area include:

Alum Creek Dog Park in Lewis Center (www.alumcreekdogpark.com)

Big Walnut Dog Park in Columbus (www.bigwalnutdogpark.com)

Brooksedge Bark Park in Westerville (www.westerville.org/Portals/0/Brooksedge.pdf)

Pooch Playground in Gahanna (www.poochplayground.com)

 

Make cool weather enjoyable by taking your best friend for a walk!