Tips for Walkers

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Walking Tips for your Dog - Sponsored by YuMove

Walking Tips to Keep Your Dog Active, Comfortable, and Safe During WAGATHON

Presented by Vetnique, the home of YuMOVE

Whether you're walking for wellness, fun, or fundraising, daily walks can be one of the best ways to bond with your dog — and during WAGATHON, those walks matter even more.
As a proud sponsor of this event, Vetnique is here to help make every step count.

Here are our expert-backed tips to help make your WAGATHON walks safe, enjoyable, and easy on your dog’s joints…

Start Slow and Build Up

If your pup isn't used to long walks or is still growing, ease into a routine. Start with shorter walks and gradually increase the duration based on your dog’s age, breed, and fitness level. Puppies under 14 months shouldn’t exceed 3 miles per day (to avoid putting too much strain on developing joints).

Pro Tip: Let your dog set the pace. Walking should be fun and energizing, not tiring or overwhelming.

Mind the Weather and Paw Safety

Dogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Hot pavement in summer can burn paw pads, while icy or salted roads in winter can lead to cracking or irritation. Before heading out for a walk, touch the pavement with the back of your hand — if it’s too hot or too cold for you, it’s too harsh for your dog.

Post-walk: Gently clean paws with a damp, soapy cloth or paw wipe to remove debris, salt, or chemicals.

Hydration Is Key

Bring fresh, clean water for your dog and offer it to them frequently, especially on warmer days or longer routes. Avoid letting them drink from puddles or standing water, which can contain harmful bacteria or parasites.

Watch for signs of overheating like heavy panting, drooling, or slowing down. Find shade and take breaks as needed.

Gear Up for Safety
Choose a well-fitted harness to reduce the strain on their muscles and joints and to give you more control. Always use a leash, even if your dog is well-trained—especially during events or in unfamiliar areas.

Pro Tip: For early morning or evening walks, wear reflective clothing and attach a light-up collar or tag to your dog for visibility.

Stay Aware and Watch for Warning Signs
Always monitor your dog closely during and after walks for signs of fatigue or joint discomfort. Watch for things like lagging behind, limping, stiffness, or a reluctance to walk can indicate it’s time to rest—or talk to your vet.

After walking in grassy or wooded areas, check your dog for ticks and make sure flea and tick prevention is up to date.

Walking is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support your dog’s physical and emotional health. With a little planning and support from YuMOVE, you can help your pup stay active and comfortable not just during Wag-a-thon—but for many walks to come.

YuMOVE is Vetnique’s vet-formulated and vet-recommended joint supplement designed to support joint structure, mobility, and ease of movement. Backed by over 15 years of clinical research, YuMOVE helps dogs stay comfortable and active—so they can keep wagging their way through every walk.

Learn more about how YuMOVE supports healthy joints on Vetnique.com.

Fundraising Tips and Ideas

Don’t panic! Fundraising can be fun, quick and easy. Here are some ways that you can promote and raise funds for your WAGATHON. Just: Post, Send, Ask & Host!

Send

The top, best, #1 way to raise money for your WAGATHON is… *drumroll*… by sending email! It’s quick, easy and super effective. Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck:

Cast a wide-net! We have instructions on how to import your entire external contact list into your WAGATHON fundraising page. The more people you ask, the more likely you are to get a donation.
Tell your story! People want to know what you’re doing and why. Explain why you’re supporting Guiding Eyes for the Blind, how much you love your pup and/or how you’re improving your health. Testimonials are key to soliciting support – and don’t be afraid to tug on the heartstrings a little!
Hit Resend! Some people will donate after your first ask, but most will need a gentle reminder. Resend emails periodically – especially as you hit your personal milestones.

Post

Easily download (right click and “save”) these featured graphics below and post them directly to your social media pages to promote your WAGATHON page! Simply create a post or add to your Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat story.

P.S. Don’t forget to include a link to your WAGATHON Page!

Guiding Eyes for the Blind WAGATHON logo with blue guide dog silhouette above a blue banner reading “Fuel my miles with your support!”

Social media is a critical tool for online fundraising – and the easiest way to reach a vast network of friends, family, co-workers and casual acquaintances. Here are a few ways that you can maximize your social media fundraising:

Post often! There is no shortage of content on social media, and Facebook and Twitter posts can get buried very quickly. Make sure you are reposting your link often so it stays top of mind and top of feed!
Auto-post! Your WAGATHON fundraising page can auto-post for you every time you receive a donation or hit a milestone. If you need directions, click here.
Tag & link! Post a personalized shout-out to each donor. Tag your donor and add their pic for extra emphasis – and include a link to your fundraising page. Your donor will feel appreciated, and his or her followers will learn about your campaign!
Don’t forget Insta! If you’re going to use Instagram to post pics and promote your WAGATHON, add your fundraising page URL to your bio and include “link in bio” in every post.

Ask

The most important rule of fundraising is, you have to make the ask! After you’ve finished with your social media and email outreach, how about making a few personal asks face-to-face?

Since this is a 26.2 mile WAGATHON, ask your friends, family and co-workers to sponsor you per mile. Even better – ask them to double their donation if you and your pup partner complete the WAGATHON.
Sponsors! Do you know any businesses – big or small – that would support you and Guiding Eyes for the Blind? It’s the best way to get the big bucks!

Team Recruitment Strategies

Are you excited about your WAGATHON? Share your passion and commitment by starting a team! Here are some ways to recruit team members to join you on your Wag:

Social Media & Email Recruitment
It’s simple and effective. With the click of a button, you can reach out to all of your email contacts and friends on social media. Don’t just ask for donations – ask them to join your team.

Sample Facebook Post or Email:

Join me and on Team for our WAGATHON, a cumulative marathon that we can do anywhere and at our own pace over the month of September. The goal is to hit 26.2 miles by 9/30 and raise funds for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. We’d love for you to join us. Click the link and join our team!

Sample Tweet:

Join me & my pooch for our #Wagathon, a cumulative marathon that we can do anywhere, at our own pace over the month of September. The goal is to hit 26.2 miles by 9/30 and raise funds for @GuidingEyes. We'd love for you to join us. Click the link and join our team!

Where to Find New Teammates:

Puppy sitters
Neighbors
Local dog park
Running clubs
Co-workers
Church groups
Puppy socializers
Local gyms
Girl or Boy Scout troops
Community organizations (Lions, Kiwanis Club, etc.)
Student groups
Dog walkers
Doggie daycare
Pet stores
Dog groomers
Local track/cross country teams
Members of your Puppy Class
Fellow puppy raisers

Offline Payment:

Download the offline donation form here.

Make checks payable to Guiding Eyes for the Blind:

Mail this form and check to:

Guiding Eyes for the Blind
ATTN: WAGATHON
611 Granite Springs Road
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Select A Team:

Select a Team:

Tips for Walkers

Start Slow and Build Up

Mind the Weather and Paw Safety

Hydration Is Key