Does your dog spend most of the short winter days cooped up inside while you’re working or busy with the holidays? With limited daylight hours, it can be difficult to fit in proper daily walks. However, dogs need exposure to natural light for their physical and mental well-being. Getting your pup outside during daylight is crucial, even in the winter.
Without adequate sunlight, dogs can become deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D helps dogs absorb calcium which is vital for strong bones and muscle function. Prolonged vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets or osteomalacia which causes bone pain, fractures, and muscle weakness.
Sunlight also regulates melatonin and serotonin levels which influence your dog’s sleep-wake cycles and mood. Exposure to natural light prevents seasonal depression that some dogs experience in the darker winter months.
Daytime walks provide other benefits as well:
– Exercise: Dogs need daily exercise year-round to release energy and stay fit. Walking in daylight provides mental stimulation and allows them to explore the sights, sounds and smells of the neighborhood.
– Socialization: Daytime walks often involve encountering other people and dogs which keeps your pup properly socialized.
– Housetraining: More opportunities to potty outside prevents indoor accidents.
To make sure your dog gets the daylight they need this winter, consider hiring a dog walking service. Having a mid-day dog walk can give your pup a rejuvenating dose of natural light and exercise. It also provides a much needed break from boredom and isolation at home.
Don’t let short winter days jeopardize your dog’s health and happiness this season. The gift of daylight will lift their mood, improve behavior, and keep them fit! Contact us today to schedule midday dog walking services and experience the benefits for your pup even a few days a week can make a difference.
Morag is the owner and founder of York Regions most trusted premier in-home pet care and dog walking companies. In 2000 she saw a need for an alternative to kennels, catteries for family pets in the area and has always believed that pets are much happier and less stressed staying in their own familiar environment. Morag and her team are all certified in Pet 1st Aid and CPR, she also offers continuous training to her team members through online and hands on pet care and pet behaviour and care courses. Morag has earned her certificate in Professional Pet Sitting, Professional Dog Walking and Canine Attendant training. She has lived in the Newmarket/Aurora area since 1991 is a wife, a mother of 2 adult children and a grandmother of 2 delightful little balls of energy. She has also been owned by fish, birds, mice, rats, cats, dogs, gerbils and guinea pigs and is an advocate for all living creatures. In her spare time she likes to be involved in her community and events travelling, reading and cooking.
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