In short, walking does wonders – for your pet And for you. Here are five ways you and your pooch will reap a variety of benefits from regular walks.
#1. Walking helps keep you and your dog healthy, and observing your pet’s walk month helps keep you motivated as you pick up a new habit.
This one is a no-brainer. Exercise helps keep everyone healthy. The truth is that obesity is a common problem for us and our dogs. Fortunately, regular walks and increased activity can not only help you reduce your risk of developing obesity, but also help you shed unwanted pounds. Walking also helps preserve muscle tone and joint movement, and helps prevent digestive issues like occasional constipation.
Recent studies show that adults who walk their dogs get more physical activity on average than those who don’t. They are also more likely to meet the American Heart Association’s standard exercise recommendation of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Regular exercise helps keep your blood pressure lower, your heart healthier and your energy level higher.
Some people find regular walks easier when done for the sake of a four-legged friend. If you tend to focus on others first, your dog’s need for exercise to stay healthy can help keep you going day in and day out, regardless of the weather. And if your dog likes to be active, you never have to worry about your walking partner canceling.
#2. Walking helps release energy that builds up during the day and can help reduce hyperactivity and destructive behaviors.
Dogs can build up a lot of energy during the day, especially if they’re home alone while you’re at work. Regular walks, along with other forms of exercise, can help burn energy and calm your pet. Unruly behavior such as jumping on people or knocking over furniture can be a sign of pent up energy. Walks and playtime can help curb these behaviors and can help reduce destructive chewing, digging, or scratching behaviors.
#3. Walking provides mental stimulation.
As with indoor cats, dogs that are stuck indoors all day can get bored. They need mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy just as much as cats (and people). Daily walks outdoors expose dogs to a variety of sights and smells that they cannot experience indoors. Walking can also satisfy dogs’ natural instincts to explore, although the activity helps reduce their stress levels.
#4. Walking is a great way to build and strengthen the bond you share with your dog.
Spending quality time walking with your dog is very important in creating a bond between you. This activity can be something only the two of you do together, and your dog has your full attention. And if your dog is shy or fearful, regular walks can help your pet develop confidence and comfort which, in turn, leads to a strong, trusting relationship.
#5. Walking encourages socialization, strengthens community spirit and decreases loneliness.
If your dog likes to go out and walk, you don’t have to look far for an enthusiastic walking partner. Walking together can make walks more enjoyable and can also reduce loneliness when your relationships with others aren’t going well.
Plus, walking your dog is a great way to explore your neighborhood and community. This includes meeting and talking with your neighbors. In a study of more than 800 people over the age of 50, those who walked a dog at least four times a week were more likely to report feeling a strong sense of community, compared to people who didn’t. of dog.
What are you waiting for?
One of the main reasons given by some pet owners for not exercising their dogs properly is that they are “too busy”. But anytime is a great opportunity to set small goals and walk. And if you’re having trouble making the resolution to exercise more, just look for your dog, who’s probably waiting by the door on his leash.
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