That wagging tail and those hopeful eyes that keep glancing toward the door are telling you something: January is Walk Your Dog Month. Even if wet, dreary, chilly weather has you tempted to stay indoors, your canine companion is counting on you to get out there and give them a chance to stretch their legs, see the sights and sniff the hydrants. Contrary to what some might think, walks aren’t optional; they’re essential to dogs’ health, happiness and well-being.

Dogs need exercise every day—yes, even when it’s cold outside. But winter walks shouldn’t be uncomfortable. Dogs who are small, frail or have very short hair may appreciate a coat or sweater. If your dog will tolerate booties, they can help protect dogs’ sensitive feet from snow, sharp ice and toxic snow-melting chemicals. If there is snow on the ground, shovel a pathway and a large area so dogs can relieve themselves more comfortably.

In very cold temperatures, opt for multiple short jaunts instead of long treks. Stay close to home and take your dog indoors immediately if they start shivering. Once inside, thoroughly wipe off dogs’ legs, feet and undersides: Salt and other chemicals can sicken them if ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Walks are a highlight of a dog’s day, so let your pup set the pace—whether brisk or ambling—and choose which way to go whenever possible. Stash your cell phone, remove your earbuds and be present so you don’t accidentally yank on your dog’s neck. Being dragged along is painful, and it’s also extremely frustrating for dogs. Imagine if someone snatched your phone out of your hand whenever you tried to read a text. Stopping to sniff is as important to dogs as checking our messages or social media is to us. Let them spend as long as they want sniffing the “news” on the trees and bushes.

Please, don’t be a pain in the neck. Make walks enjoyable for your dog by using a comfortable nylon harness. Never use choke or prong collars, which punish dogs by inflicting pain. These torture devices can cause serious physical and emotional damage—including spinal cord injuries and paralysis, crushed tracheas and asphyxiation, crushing and/or fracture of the larynx, dislocated neck bones and bruising of the esophagus. If needed, try a no-pull harness or enlist the help of a reputable humane dog trainer.

And while there isn’t an official Walk Your Cat Month, some felines also enjoy leisurely strolls with their guardians after becoming comfortable with wearing a harness designed for cats and a lightweight leash. When introducing your cat to a harness, do so indoors and gradually, making it a stress-free and positive experience by doling out lots of praise and treats.

If your cat is fully confident in a harness, you can venture outdoors with them on a leash in a safe, quiet area. Let your cat decide where they want to go—which may be no farther than your own backyard—and don’t be in a hurry. Plan to spend more time letting cats stop and smell the roses (as well as roll on concrete, observe their surroundings and perhaps nibble on the grass) than strolling. Never take cats into loud or busy areas, tug on the leash or force them into any situation that makes them nervous or uncomfortable.

Of course, there are also plenty of ways to ensure that cats get daily exercise in “the great indoors.” Multistory cat trees with scratching posts and perches encourage cats to jump, climb and stretch. Interactive toys that you bring to “life” by dangling and dragging them along the floor or furniture are a hit, as are motorized toy mice and ping-pong balls.

This January—and every month of the year—make time for daily walks and playtime with your animal companions. It’ll do them a world of good, and it will strengthen the special bond you share.

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Lindsay Pollard-Post is a senior writer for the PETA Foundation, 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510; www.PETA.org.

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