The real health benefits of walking your dog! Let’s be real: the early 2020’s are off to a strange and challenging start. And while a global pandemic was not how we imagined this decade kicking off, let’s focus on the silver linings. Not only have dog adoption rates skyrocketed, but there has been a newfound mass appreciation for the joy of walking. So we at What the Pup say, stretch those legs! Not only will your dog be happier for it, but your body will thank you too. The benefits of getting outside for a hike or going for a stroll with your pup are undeniable, but here are some further reasons why you should grab that leash right now!
Strengthen your bond
What better way to spend time with your dog than being outside and experiencing the world together? Bring some treats and throw in some training exercises to switch things up a little and see how your dog performs amidst all those distractions.
Socialization
We, as pet parents, know how important it is for our pups to socialize. The more you walk, the more situations your dog is exposed to and the less reactive they will be to unexpected stimuli. The same goes for you! Walking is a great way to get out of the house and meet fellow dog lovers and parents. No man is an island, and though the introverts among us may beg to disagree, meeting fellow pup parents and even a quick smile in passing is good for our mental health.
Heart health!
That oh-so-important organ pumping oxygen throughout your body can certainly benefit from some moderate exercise every day. But even the more active among us have to admit that exercising with your best friend is far more enjoyable than alone!
Mental wellbeing
A happy dog is a tired one! Nothing is worse than an under-exercised, under-stimulated pooch that bounces off the walls at home, driving you mad with barking, digging, and chewing. The same could be said about humans. Many of us lead sedentary lifestyles, and exercise has been scientifically shown to improve your mood by releasing endorphins. So get outside! You don’t have to run a marathon to reap the rewards; even a short walk a day can do wonders for your mood and your pup’s enrichment.
Improved digestive and urinary health
This one is really for the pups, who are creatures of habit that love routine. You may have noticed your pup has a pretty predictable bathroom schedule; planning a walk around their bathroom breaks gives them ample opportunity to do their business and prevent constipation and bladder retention, their overall health and well-being.
Improved quality of sleep
Have you noticed your pup trundle through the door, curl up in bed and promptly konk out after a long walk? Exercise can be exhausting! The endorphins released while exercising act as a natural sleep aid so that your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, can help facilitate deep and restorative sleep.
Grab your leash!
As the temperatures start to climb, going for a walk with your pup can get trickier. You might need to bring some extra water or choose to go out at specific times to avoid the hottest times of the day. It’s important to be conscious of how hot the ground’s surface is, especially in the late morning and early afternoon. The general rule of thumb is to press the back of your hand against the surface, and if you cannot hold it for more than 5 seconds, it is too hot for your dog. With those tips in mind, you would be hard-pressed to come up with a reason to not go for a walk with your 4-legged best buddy, so grab that leash and head out!
Do you and your pup have a favorite walking path? Share pictures from your morning walk to whatthepup@spotandtango.com!
