consejos para superar la tristeza invernal

Enero es un mes difícil. It’s usually gray and cold, and there’s a big letdown after the holidays have come and gone. We often feel cabin feverish, sluggish, and just overall yucky. Afortunadamente, también es el Mes de Sacar a Pasear al Perro, que es un EXCELENTE recordatorio para dejar a un lado la tristeza de enero y salir con su amigo peludo. Estos son algunos consejos útiles sobre cómo mantenerse activo durante el invierno.

Regálese un paseo  

We know it’s cold outside, but daily walks with your pet can help with mental stimulation and keeping them fit. Y lo mismo sucede con usted. Asegúrese de que tanto usted como su cachorro usen ropa en capas. There are countless jackets and sweaters available on the market, as well as pup booties to protect paws from ice and salt. (You might want to buy a couple extra pairs because those booties will get very dirty quickly.)

Regálese una caminata  

Take walking up a notch at your closest hiking park. El senderismo no solo tiene los mismos beneficios mentales y físicos que caminar, sino que es una excelente manera de vivir una aventura con su cachorro. Make sure to check trail conditions before hitting the road, and that it's OK for pets to be on the trail. Don't forget to bring water, and be careful how far you walk. If it's too far for you to carry your pet back, it's too far to walk.

Disfrute de una visita al parque para perros  

¿Qué es más divertido que ver a un grupo de cachorros corriendo por el parque de perros? Visiting your local dog park can help keep your dog active and give you a dose of puppy cuteness. Before taking your pup to the park, make sure they’re spayed/neutered and up to date on their vaccinations. Don’t forget to pick up your pup's poop, and bring their leash and water bowl (but only let your cutie use their dish).

Regálele una cita a su perro 

Este mes es perfecto para llamar a sus amigos que tienen cachorros y programar una cita para jugar con su perro. Organice una reunión con ellos en el parque local para perros o, si tiene un patio grande, invítelos a divertirse. Todos tendemos a hibernar en invierno; así que ver a amigos, ya sean humanos o animales, siempre es bueno.  

Treat yourself to an adventure 

If you can take a few days off in January, why not go on a mini adventure with your pet? Depending on the destination, hotels, resorts, and airlines often have lower prices this time of year. You’ll want to make sure you have your pet’s travel kit ready. That includes tags, vaccination paperwork, food, water, medication, leash/harness, poop bags, crate, toys/blanket. We’ve got helpful tips for road-tripping with your pet, and what to know about traveling abroad with your cutie.

Deléitense con un almuerzo  

Deléitese con una comida afuera junto a su cachorro. (Or rather, you enjoy a meal while your pup hangs out with you at the pet-friendly restaurant.) Getting out of the house, social interaction, and having a change of scenery are great ways to combat the blahs.  

Treat yourself to a game 

Sometimes you just need a good distraction, and a game with your pet is a great place to start. Consider a physical game like hide-and-go-seek or tug-of-war, or a mental game like pick a cup—hiding a dog or cat treat under one of three cups and shuffling them around. We've got more brain game ideas.

Treat you and your pet to self-care 

Just because January is a funky month, it doesn’t mean you should neglect your and your pet’s mental and physical health. Keeping up with a routine, regular walks, opening the shades to let light in, ensuring you and your pet eat nutritious food, and making sure both you and your pet are up to date on your medical appointments are all important tasks to stay on top of this time of year. 

Treat yourself to some quality time with your furry one 

This is a great chance to show your pet how much you appreciate them. Maybe you can book a photo shoot together, or throw a party in honor of their awesomeness. Or maybe it’s just a great time to curl up on the couch together, watch a movie, and enjoy each other’s delightful company.  
 
Need additional tips on staying active in the winter months? Get some great ideas.