Vet Approved Tips For Active Dog Month

Vet approved tips for active dog month

We’re getting into the April groove, and continuing the Active Dog Month celebrations! Not sure what Active Dog Month is? Check out our previous article.

This week our resident vet Rachel, from FirstVet, shared some tips with us for walks and playtime with our doggos. From avoiding sticks to hydrotherapy pools…read on to find out how to make the most of this month and more moving forward.

Use A Dog Walking Service

Try as we might to keep to a schedule or plan but sometimes things just don’t go as we imagined. Can’t make your daily walk? Ask another family member or a neighbour or try a local dog walking service!

When Playing Fetch Opt For A Ball Not A Stick

We typically tend to play fetch with our dogs using sticks, however, it might be safer to opt for dog toys and balls instead as large sticks run the risk of splintering and lodging in our pets’ throats.

Opt For Low Impact

If your dog has any injuries or joint issues opt for low-impact surfaces for your walks. For example grass over concrete. Look out for any potential dangers in the grass and steer your dogs clear.

After an even more joint-friendly exercise option? Try finding a dog-friendly hydrotherapy pool near you.

Suncream On Pink Areas

It might sound odd to stress the importance of suncream in early Spring but the sun can be stronger than you expect. If there are areas on your furry friends that aren’t well…so furry we recommend applying a dog-friendly suncream before stepping out.

How are you and your dog celebrating Active Dog Month? Let us know. Follow along with us on our socials to hear from our special guest Heart Radio’s own Pandora, and stay tuned to our blog for weekly pet tips throughout the rest of April.

P.S. Have you entered our Active Dog Month Giveaway yet? Track your daily dog walks together with this wonderful prize – Enter here, to be in a chance to WIN a FitBit Luxe for you plus a Tractive GPS, including a 1-year FREE premium subscription, for your dog!

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

9 Beautiful Parks In London To Walk Your Dog

9 Beautiful Parks In London To Walk Your Dog

Get Some Fresh Air With Your Pooch In These Beautiful London Parks

It may be a busy concrete jungle, but London has plenty of green spaces for you and your dog to explore together. Both on and off lead exercise are super important for the health of your pup, so why not check out nine picturesque London parks you can visit with your pet…

1) Alexandra Palace And Park

Alexandra Palace and Park in North London is made up of 196 acres of Grade II listed English Heritage parkland. The views from this park are truly picturesque; it’s the perfect place to see London’s skyline from Canary Wharf to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard. If you’re after a dog-walk with a view, this is the perfect place to take your pup. There’s also some bonus activities here if you’re after a family day out, including a farmers market, café, bar and boating lake.

Nearest Station: Alexandra Palace (National Rail)
Car Parking: Yes

Alexandra palace and park

2) Battersea Park

 

On the south bank of the River Thames adjacent to Chelsea, Battersea park spans 200 acres of lakes, woodland areas, designated nature spots and open space. If you and your pup are looking for somewhere to relax after your walk, look no further than the Pear Tree Café, who provide a water bowl for your furry friend and may even have the odd treat available for purchase.

Nearest Station: Battersea Park (National Rail)
Car Parking: Yes

Battersea Park

3) Chiswick House And Gardens

These excellently restored gardens from the 18th Century feature sweeping green spaces, gardens, waterfalls, lakes and woodland areas. Chiswick House and Gardens has a few modest no-go areas for dogs, but there’s plenty of spaces for them to explore. There’s even a special dog-dedicated part of the lake for your pooch to swim in.

Nearest Station: Chiswick
Car Parking: Yes

Chiswick House & Gardens

4) Finsbury Park

Finsbury Park was one of the first London parks and has been around since the Victorian era. It is still extremely popular – and you can see why! Finsbury park is famous for the Parkland Walk, a disused railway line which has been made into a nature reserve and footpath to link Finsbury Park to Crouch Hill Park and Highgate Woods. The rest of the park is a gorgeous green mix of open space, a lake, arranged gardens and more leafy tree pathways.

Nearest station: Manor House or Finsbury Park.
Car Parking: No

Finsbury Park

5) Crystal Palace Park

On the opposite side of town in South East London, Crystal Palace Park is best known for it’s ‘Dinosaur Court’, an amazing collection of Grade 1 listed dinosaur statues built in 1850. The dinos are open every day and free to view. Looking for a dog friendly café after your walk? Try Brown and Green.

Nearest Station: Crystal Palace (National Rail, Overground)
Car Parking: Yes

Crystal Palace Park

6) Greenwich Park

One of London’s more famous parks, Greenwich park is home to the Royal Observatory. This World Heritage Site is also home to the National Maritime Museum and Old Naval College. It’s not all history related – the park also features vast green spaces and floral gardens, an amazing view of London’s skyline and a small herd of fallow and red deer. The animals are kept in a separated enclosed area to limit the danger to both deer and dogs.

Nearest Station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
Car Parking: Yes, but limited

Greenwich Park

7) Hampstead Heath

Home of Parliament Hill and spanning a massive 790 acres, Hampstead Heath is one of the biggest London parks. It features woodlands, vast heaths, a lido and swimming ponds – including one dedicated to dogs!

Nearest Stations: Golders Green (Northern Line), Hampstead (National Rail), Kentish Town (Northern Line), Hampstead Heath (Overground) or Gospel Oak (Overground).
Car Parking: Yes, several.

Hampstead Heath

8) Hyde Park

At London’s most well-known park, dogs are very welcome. Hyde Park is busy, but serves as a huge green haven in Central London. It’s home to many landmarks, including the Serpentine Lake and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.

Nearest Stations: Queensway (Central London), Lancaster Gate (Central Line), Marble Arch (Central Line), Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line), Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line)
Parking: yes, but very limited

Hyde Park

9) Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest enclosed space in London and a National Nature Reserve, so it’s not surprising there’s plenty of places to explore with your dog. It’s home to massive green spaces, woodlands and ponds, as well as the Isabella Plantation – a Victorian Plantation that dates back to the 1830s. Dogs are welcome and can roam free in other parts of the park, but must be kept on leads in the Isabella Plantation. Dog owners are also advised to avoid the park during deer rutting and birthing seasons, which are from September to October and between May and July.

Nearest Station: Richmond (National Rail, District Line)
Car Parking: Yes, several.

Richmond Park

Now There’s No Excuse! ?

…That’s it! Time to enjoy some fresh air and exercise with your pooch in these gorgeous London parks. For more doggy-related inspiration, check out other Pet Tips on Pets in a Pickle.

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.