5 Benefits of Walking Your Dog

 

No matter what time of year it is, daily exercise is an important part of our lives. And we can’t overlook our furry four-leggers either. Getting our companions out for daily dog walks is a necessity. Not only will your pupster be more content, but there are also health benefits to getting out and about in the neighborhood. 
For instance, enjoying a brisk promenade through tree-lined neighborhood streets or nearby forest trails is not only good for the darling doggo in your life, but it is instrumental to your well-being, too. 

 

1. Helps maintain their weight

One of the biggest benefits associated with walking your dog is that it helps your pet to maintain a healthy weight. Pets who do not get enough exercise are at higher risk of becoming overweight or obese than pets that do exercise regularly. Being overweight carries many health risks for your pet, including joint problems, diabetes, and a shortened life. By regularly walking your dog, you can ensure they get the exercise they need to stay at a healthy weight and live a healthier life.

 

2. Keeps them agile and limber

The second benefit associated with regularly taking your dog for a walk is that it helps your dog to stay agile and limber. If your dog lays around all day, their muscles and joints are not getting the exercise that they need to maintain their strength and flexibility. When you take your dog for a walk, you are ensuring that the muscles and limbs in their body are getting worked. And if you have an older dog, do not forego walking simply due to age. Simply decrease the distance you walk to help keep older pets limber.

 

3. Improves their socialization skills

One of the more overlooked benefits of walking your dog is that it helps to improve your dogs’ socialization skills. When you take a dog for a walk, they are seeing other dogs, cats, people, cars, and bicyclists. This allows them to get used to all this behavior and activity. If you have a dog that barks at people, dogs, or other elements, taking them on walks in a controlled environment can help them become accustomed to them.

 

4. Minimizes boredom and destructive behavior

The last benefit of walking your dog is that it minimizes boredom and destructive behavior in dogs. If your dog whines, barks, howls, chews, or destroys your house while you are away, they could be bored. Taking them on regular walks helps to cure this boredom and decrease these behaviors.

 

5. It relieves stress

It’s no secret that dogs can experience anxiety. This is only compounded when a pooch is stuck inside without an outlet for their energy. Prevent boredom and destructive tendencies by taking your tail-wagger on an exciting adventure every day. Getting out for a long loop around the neighborhood allows them to explore and let any pent up emotions out.

 

References: 

https://bluecrossvethospital.com/4-benefits-walking-dog/

https://www.we-love-pets.co.uk/we-love-pets-news/8-benefits-of-dog-walking