Taking your dog for a walk around the block can become a bit of a humdrum chore, but it doesn’t have to be. When you think about what’s happening to both of you, physically and emotionally, going for a walk with your dog is a truly radical act of love and devotion. If you need a little extra inspiration, your friends at Oroville Animal Health Center are happy to share 3 more reasons to walk your dog today and every day.
First: Regular and Routine
Most dogs look forward to getting out and about at least once a day. In fact, they anticipate all of their daily events, but none are as important to them as their walk. To keep your dog’s routine running smoothly, program a calendar reminder into your phone and treat their walk as an important meeting. They’ll be able to get the timing down pat within a few days, and they’ll benefit from your dependability.
Not only does their walk provide much needed physical exercise, but let’s face it, it keeps them regular. A healthy dog is a happy one, and getting outside for a number two ranks high on their list of priorities.
As a gentle reminder, it’s usually a good idea to bring at least two waste bags with you at all times when out with your dog. If you ever notice anything different in your dog’s stool, it might be worthwhile to rule out various medical conditions with a routine exam and diagnostic testing.
Happy Mind, Wagging Tail
Lots of destructive behaviors stem from boredom, but they can be curbed with a daily outlet like walking or jogging. Dogs like to have “jobs” to do, even if it is simply walking their humans around the neighborhood.
What’s more, the mental stimulation feeds their busy mind. The sights, sounds, and smells provide their brain with all sorts of new information that they catalog for future use. They may also get to meet new friends while out and about with you. Fellow dog owners are typically very friendly and enjoy the chance for their dog to hone their social skills.
The incredible benefits of going for a walk with your dog can lead to better behaviors at home and deeper sleep. You will likely notice less whining, pacing, digging, chewing, or aggression if your pet gets the mental stimulation they hunger for.
Physical Health
Shockingly, more than half of all American dogs are overweight. Not only faced with related health consequences, overweight and obese dogs simply don’t live as long.
Help your pet remain trim or lose weight by walking them at least 30 minutes every day. Watch the boon to their health if you walk them twice a day!
If you are simply trying to maintain a healthy weight, walking is the perfect way to do this. Considered low-impact, walking uses all of the body’s muscles. Add to the fun with a vigorous game of fetch at the dog park to up the cardiovascular benefit.
Walk With Your Dog
When you go for a walk with your dog, everybody wins! It is great for both of you, and as an added bonus, deepens the lifelong bond between you.
If you have questions about this meaningful approach to your dog’s health, please call us at (530) 533-7513. Happy walking!