The Importance and Benefits of Walking Your Dog Daily

 

Walking your dog is essential to their life with you. Although your dog could be getting plenty of physical activity in the yard of your home or when you play in the living room, walks are important beyond just exercise. Walks don't only benefit the dog's overall health and quality of life in various ways, but yours as well.

Benefits of Walking Your Dog

Obesity Prevention- One of the most straightforward benefits of walking your dog every day is that daily exercise is good for preventing your dog from becoming overweight. An overweight dog can experience various health problems such as a decreased lifespan, breathing difficulties, cancer, heart disease, and arthritis due to pressure on the joints. Walking your dog daily is also good for your health and keeping fit. This measure of disease and injury prevention is just as important for life longevity and quality of life.

Better sleep- While you walk, your dog might get excited and busy with the environment around them. This helps to release any extra energy they have, which will ultimately help them sleep better at night.

Prevents destructive behavior- Allowing your dog to explore the world outside of your home and backyard will keep your dog entertained. Boredom from being in the same environment can lead to destructive behavior. Although we wish dogs would clean up their own messes, it commonly isn't the case. Preventing this behavior is preventing the clean-up that comes shortly after the mess created by it.

Allows Socialization- For both you and your dog, going outside allows for socialization. It is likely that your dog will stumble upon another furry friend and you, another walker. This is a good time to start conversations and allow friendships to bloom. This is also a good time to acknowledge whether your dog has anxiety blocks when being approached by other dogs and figure out what might be the best way for you to deal with it so that your dog can take part in healthy socialization!

Walking your dog allows for healthy habits, interaction, and sleep. Getting outside to walk for as little as 20 minutes a day not only adds quality to their life but prolongs them as well. It's a great way to get moving, socialize, and build a healthy habit that you and your dog could look forward to every day.