This blog by Mother and Nature Maternity Wear is part of the Dogs Die in Hot Cars Campaign. This summer please don’t take the risk and leave your dog alone in a car. ‘Not long’ is too long. Happy Walking!
A good way to keep up your fitness levels while you are pregnant is by walking. It builds up stamina, burns calories and helps heart health.
If you have a dog then there’s no excuse, your furry friend won’t let you off walkies just because you’re pregnant. So get out into the fresh air and enjoy the exercise.
Best Foot Forward
Invest in some comfortable trainers. You can buy ones that have been especially designed for walking which are lighter and include features such as mesh linings and toe bumpers for added comfort.
Dress for the Weather
In our climate a sunny day can turn into a showery one in minutes. If it’s a warm day dress comfortably in short sleeves. During the colder weather, layer your clothes so that you’re wrapped up warm, but you can remove a layer if you get hot. A good idea is to carry a waterproof jacket with you during cloudy days, so you can slip it on if it starts to rain. There also good for keeping out the wind. Choose trousers with an elasticated waist so that you stay comfortable while you’re walking.
Stay Hydrated
Don’t forget to bring some water with you. It’s easy to become de-hydrated especially during the warmer weather.
Make Your Dog Comfortable Too
If your dog has a habit of pulling, it might put you at risk of falling. A good solution is to buy your dog a harness, rather than a collar. A harness discourages dogs from jumping. It will make your dog calmer and you’ll have better control.
Don’t Forget Your Phone
Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave home and put into your pocket or back-pack. Having your phone means you can call someone if you feel unwell or you have a fall.
Avoid the Crowds
If your dog gets anxious when it’s noisy, avoid areas with a lot of people. Don’t walk in isolated areas, but stick to routes you know well that aren’t crowded.
Pick Your Time
Don’t walk during the summer months at the hottest time of the day. Summer means it is lighter for longer, so you can go out a bit later in the afternoon. First thing in the morning will also be cooler. In the winter try and get out before it gets dark.
Poop Scoop
You’re probably used to bending down to clean up after your pet, but now you’re pregnant bending will be difficult. Buy yourself a long-handled poop scoop and then you can easily clean up after your pet without bending or ending up on all fours yourself!
And, If you can’t walk your Dog
If you have problems during your pregnancy, you may have been told not to exercise. If you have a dog, why not find a dog walker? It means your dog gets the exercise it needs, and you don’t have to worry.
Dog walker Sarah has been walking dogs for over three years. She says, “Dog walking was a way to combine two things I love, walking and dogs.” She charges £12 per hour or £6 for a half hour walk and she normally walks two dogs at a time. We have a great time wondering through the countryside and the dogs get a really good workout, they are always tired when they get back home, but they love it.”
So, there you are, if you can, a good daily walk will do you good, wrap up against the cold weather and keep hydrated during the summer months and enjoy the outdoors with your pet.
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