7 Reasons to celebrate Walk Your Dog Month across Liverpool City Region

It’s Walk Your Dog month and a great opportunity to shake off the January blues.

From benefits for your mental and physical health to re-connecting with your pooch, there are loads of reasons why you should get out and about for Walk Your Dog Month.

So, get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors in our beautiful region with your best friend.

We have some of the nicest walks in the country right on our doorstep

Whether you love a cityscape or a country park, there are a vast range of walks to enjoy in our region. Enjoy views of the Wirral waterfront from Otterspool promenade or follow the Wirral Way to take in the sights of the Dee Estuary.

You can visit the world’s first publicly funded park                      

Take your pooch for a wander round Birkenhead Park and immerse yourself in its impressive history. It was opened as a park for the people in 1847 and was a major influence on Frederick Law Olmsted’s design of Central Park, New York. 

Enjoy the streets of the Georgian Quarter

Some dogs want to run for miles, others are happier with a leisurely stroll around the streets. Where better to do that than our gorgeous Georgian Quarter? And when you have finished marvelling at the site of our two stunning cathedrals, stop for a break in the fabulous Falkner Square or enjoy brunch or coffee and a cake in dog friendly eatery The Quarter.

Visit the beach nominated as the best in Merseyside

Users of the Best Beach Guide have declared Formby as their favourite stretch of sand in Merseyside.

This vast, wide-open expanse is easily reached by train with your dog – so there is no excuse not to visit.

Not only can you enjoy miles of sand and dunes, but you can also wander through the pine woods.

Then call into the dog friendly Beer Station for a drink or enjoy a hot drink and snack at No.6 café, both opposite Freshfield station in Victoria Road.

Take your dog to see an array of exotic trees

Visit Calderstones Park where you can use a map to discover an array of exotic trees including Bamboo, Gingko and Handkerchief trees from China and an Umbrella Pine from Japan.

You can also see a Tulip tree and Giant Sequoia from America.

Use the guide Around the World with the Trees of Calderstones Park to show you what is on offer and of course don’t miss the ancient 1,000-year-old Allerton Oak, one of the oldest trees in the north-west.

Walking is great for your health

Walking isn’t just good for your dog, it is great for you too. And it isn’t just the physical benefits of walking that help dog owners, there can be big benefits to mental health too.

If you walk briskly with your dog every day for 30 minutes you will easily exceed the 150 minutes recommended minimum physical activity per week. 

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week in 2024, a poll of UK dog owners commissioned by Purina highlighted the positive impact owning a dog can have on your mental and physical health. 

Some 82 per cent of those surveyed said that going on a dog walk allowed them to escape from their daily life pressures and improves their mental health.

Walking is good for your dog

It might seem like an obvious thing to say but owning a dog is a responsibility and getting out for a good walk every day is crucial to their well-being. After having their people around more over Christmas, January can also be a tricky time for dogs as life gets back to normal, so it’s important to make sure they don’t get a dose of the January blues.

Walking also allows them to keep physically, which will hopefully see them live longer and happier lives. If you have a senior dog, keep an eye on their joints and ensure they are fit for their walks and adjust accordingly.

Maybe consider a joint supplement if you are worried they are developing stiff hips or knees – just like we can as we age. Always discuss with your vet if you are concerned.

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