It is an understandable fact that taking your dog for a walk is beneficial healthwise to you and your pup. There are numerous physiological and mental benefits for your dogs when you take them out for a stroll. Luckily, it proves sufficient to get you off your couch and head out for a walk! Certain health conditions, such as obesity, impact not only humans but also dogs. A study conducted by RSPCA found that more than 40% of dogs are higher weight, which is a considerable amount. It is also noted that half of the dog owners did not take their dogs for a walk at all. So, knowing that our pets share the same human trend related to obesity, why not take the opportunity to help our furry companions head out on daily walks?
How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Unless your vet informs you otherwise, it is effective to offer your dog 30 to 45 minutes of daily walking at a sound pace. You often break this into your morning or evening walk, especially if your dog is ready for it. You may also often stretch the time longer. Different breeds have different levels of exercise needs. For example, Basset Hounds have the natural traits of an athlete, while others prefer to stick to their couch like a Cavachon Puppy. Working or sporting breeds like Australian Shepherds or Collies might have high exercise requirements compared to other dogs like Papillons.
However, things are more than just breed, as individual preference travels a long way into playtime. Dogs who get stressed easily experience separation anxiety or are considered destructive often benefit from spending a lot of time exercising. Moreover, if your furever friend is higher weight, then they are often prone to suffering such as osteoarthritis, liver disease, heart disease, as well as insulin resistance.
The Physical Benefits of Daily Walks with Your Dog
Regular walks are extremely beneficial for your dog. They offer your dog a chance to relieve itself and help improve its physical and mental health. If you notice any signs of distress, it is important to take your furry companion for longer walks. So, let us now check out the numerous benefits of taking your dog for a walk.
Keeping Fit
Dogs are often at risk of becoming higher weight, leading to different health risks, including cardiovascular and liver disease, osteoarthritis, and insulin resistance. Obesity leads to reduced lifespan and proves expensive, considering vet bills and specialized dietary plans. Taking your dog out on daily walking schedules can help shed a few pounds, making it effortless for them to partake in several other activities like running or playing. For senior dogs, it can improve their joint health since a dog starts stiffening up with their age progression.
Joint Health
Taking your dog for daily walks is a low-impact activity that protects its joints. Pets, like humans, often get stiff when they are sedentary for a long time. Keeping their joints in motion and following a proper joint care routine will help with their mobility. This is especially essential for larger breeds that suffer from joint health issues such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, which can become serious if your dog lacks proper exercise or physical activities.
Training Opportunity
Taking your dog for daily walks offers the perfect scope for training. Dogs would hardly have the idea about walking on a leash post their birth, so it is something you need to teach them. There are numerous dog training programs available online that help you learn the best ways to teach commands to your dog. Training is the best way to establish confidence and offer mental stimulation to your dog.
Burn Their Excess Energy and Stress
For younger dogs, daily walks prove effective. You will be amazed at the overall energy level of your pup as you watch it bounce all over the house. Offer them some chance to use calories during the walk to ward off those excessive energy. It is a fact for the younger adult dogs, too. Although they are fully grown, they still have the puppy energy in them that would require a release.
Digestive and Urinary Health
Dogs are known to have a love for adequate routines and schedules. It is for this reason that a couple of dogs would choose to “go” on a schedule. Offering your dog proper walking routines can help prevent chances of constipation. Notable bladder infections are even noted as a risk when urine stalls in the bladder for a long time, so having the scope of emptying it outdoors can keep your dog’s bladder in healthier shape.
Socialization
Socialization is essential for dogs. Meeting with other humans and new dogs while learning how to interact with strangers helps instill confidence in your pup. Positive real-world experiences ensure your dog has the behavioral tools needed to adapt to various social situations throughout life.
Prevents Destructive Behaviors
Dogs that lack enough outdoor exposure to burn off their energy will become bored. A bored, high-energy dog may become destructive, rooting through your garage or chewing your couch for entertainment. Some energetic breeds seek attention through behaviors like digging, barking, jumping, or whining. Walking exposes your dog to the world, allowing them to explore and pick up new scents. It is the perfect activity for mental stimulation and also promotes better sleep in dogs.
Strengthens Your Bond
Daily walks with your dog are the key to establishing a strong bond with your pup. These walks form the most rewarding activities that add ample joy to your dog’s life. As you start spending quality time with your pup, they start relying on you for their daily requirements, and this helps grow your bond stronger.
Conclusion
There are various activities and games that you can enjoy with your furry companion. However, walking is one of the best forms of exercise since it is effortless to stay consistent and perfectly matches your dog’s needs. This does not mean that you should refrain from playing fetch or trying agility training; however, setting some consistent walking routines is the ideal way to establish a healthier and more active life for your pet.
