Why You Need To Take A Walk With Your Dog

Owning a dog comes with responsibility, and walking your dog is one of them. Walking your dog each day is a fun activity and gives a healthy lifestyle for you and the pet. Ensure you carry a plastic bag to clean up after your dog, as leaving the dog’s droppings on the ground is unhealthy for the natural ecosystem. Below is a list of benefits of walking your dog each day.

Better Mental Health

Walking a dog improves the mood and minimizes symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially for people living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Individuals struggling with depression may find it hard to get out of the house to go for a walk, but having a dog as a companion proves to be a complete game-changer. Taking your dog outside allows the brain to release endorphins that create a positive feeling to boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase mental energy.

Improved Sleep

Dogs tend to rest once the exercise is over by taking a nap. You may not need to take a nap immediately once you arrive home after taking your dog for a walk, but regular exercise helps improve the quality of your sleep. Sleep deprivation puts you at high risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. A 30 minute daily walk with your dog allows you to achieve a night of more restful sleep.

Walking With Your Dog Strengthens Your Bond

Walking your dog each day is an excellent way to establish a bond. Doing it each day brings a lot of joy to your dog. It is one of the most rewarding activities you can undertake to develop a stronger bond. Walking your pet creates trust, which is an integral part of the bonding process, and your dog will notice that you are dependable.

Walking Helps With Your Dog’s Socialization

Taking walks means your dog is more likely to meet other dogs and learn acceptable ways of interacting with others. It helps build confidence, making your pet have minimal fears of making friends. Take your dog to a training class to deal with anxiety if it shows signs of fear. Well-socialized pups like to play with others when you go for a walk, but they know when to stop to avoid battle scars.

It Is Healthy (for Both of You)

Research indicates that walking for 30 minutes a day minimizes the risk of heart disease and related illnesses. Most dogs require at least an hour of physical activity every day to have a healthy life free of disease. Suppose you have a herding or working breed. In that case, you should consult a veterinarian to establish the best walking schedule as such breeds require more than one hour of daily exercise. Sedentary dogs have a high risk of becoming overweight if you fail to schedule daily walks, which may result in joint and hip issues and heart disease. A daily walk is an excellent way to maintain your dog’s health.

It Reduces Destructive Behavior

Suppose your dog gets bored or has excess energy while at home, and various problems arise. Incessant barking, chewing on wood, and destructive behavior are warning signs that your dog has extra pent-up energy or is bored. Walking gives your dog the necessary brain exercise, reducing anxiety, boredom, and other destructive behaviors. You can also hire a professional dog walker, although dog walker prices vary depending on their level of expertise.

It Helps With Digestion

Walking your day each day regulates the digestive tract, thus alleviating the possibility of constipation and making your dog’s stool healthier and regular. Routine walks allow your dog to empty his bladder regularly, which has added health benefits. Urine sitting in the bladder for long durations may lead to bladder infections; regularly emptying leads to a healthy urinary tract.

Dogs require routine physical and mental stimulation through daily training, walks, and bonding. Studies indicate that pets need at least one hour of exercise daily to stay healthy and fit. Walking your dog also benefits your body as you get to exercise too.