4 BENEFITS OF WALKING YOUR DOG
4 BENEFITS OF WALKING YOUR DOG
by Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw
Regular walks are one of the best things you can do for your dog’s overall health (as well as yours!). That’s because obesity, which affects up to 56% of all dogs in the U.S., is the biggest health threat facing our pups. Being overweight or obese increases their risk for many serious diseases, including osteoarthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure, and more. Regular exercise helps to keep your dog at a healthy weight (and countless studies have proven that it’s effective at helping us stay at a healthy weight, too!).
1.Boredom
It helps to relieve boredom! Bored dogs get into mischief and can develop destructive behaviors. Regular walks help to stimulate their minds and burn off excess energy.
2. Your Bond
It strengthens your bond with your dog. Walking together regularly solidifies your dog’s order in your pack and helps you improve how you communicate.
3. Improve Your Social Life
It will help you meet new people! In today’s world of 24/7 online interactions, it can be challenging to connect with people face-to-face outside of the office. Walking your dog regularly will help you explore your neighborhood and make new connections, even if people just want to talk to your dog at first! 😉
4. Relieves Stress
It is a natural way to relieve stress and improve your overall well being. Being active and moving more has been proven time and again to help relieve stress, something most of us deal with every day. When you get outside with your best friend, the emotional, physical, and mental benefits are all amplified. Walk Your Pet Month is a great opportunity to start a healthy new habit for both you and your dog.
Conclusion
Walking your dog has many benefits for both you and your dog.
4 BENEFITS OF WALKING YOUR DOG
Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw has dedicated her career to helping dog owners and veterinary professionals identify early signs of arthritis and implement comprehensive treatment plans that include weight loss, regular exercise, pain management, strengthening exercises and rehabilitation, supplements, and more.
Dr. Kirkby Shaw founded Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE, CanineArthritis.org) in 2019 as a free educational resource with tools and tactics she uses with her own patients and with her own dogs that have had arthritis.
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[…] has a positive impact on many aspects of overall health, it exercises the mind as well as the body. Regular walking with your dog helps regulate the digestive tract also, regular walking is a good way to burn excess calories and […]
[…] work and time near when you get off the clock. For instance, if you work 9-5, you could take your dog out for a walk at 7:30 a.m. or 8 a.m., while then taking them out for a walk right at 5 p.m. or as late as 6 […]