January is here in Chesterton & Valparaiso with the cold, wet weather and early evenings. But there’s no need to despair, you still have plenty of time to go for a walk with your four-legged best friend. In fact, keeping your dog active is often more important during the winter months. Which is why January is designated as Walk Your Dog Month.
So take your dog to the park or trail and spend some quality time. Not enough light? Give us a call or set your alarm early to take a morning stroll around your neighborhood. You both will be glad that you did… and here’s why:
How Daily Walks Keep Your Dog Healthy
It is important to keep your furry friend physically healthy. It will help them to live their best life, and isn’t that what you want for them?
1. Regular walks promote better overall physical health
Walking isn’t just fun for dogs because of all the sniffing opportunities and the change of scenery. Daily walks will keep your dog at the proper weight and that will help prevent many diseases as your dog ages like:
- Joint health
- Urinary tract problems,
- Digestion
- Hypertension
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
A healthy heart, lungs and joints will keep your dog young at heart, even as the years add up.
2. Fresh air and exercise promote better mental health for dogs
Staying indoors may be nice and warm, but nothing is as exciting as exploring the great outdoors.
Walks support your dog’s psychological health in addition to their physical wellness. Getting out of the house provides your dog with countless sights and smells to enjoy. These stimuli are not just fun, they keep dogs mentally stimulated and alert.
And don’t overlook the wonderful effects of bathroom breaks! While most adult dogs can “hold it”, it doesn’t mean they enjoy doing so. Plus, providing your puppy or senior dog with bathroom breaks builds confidence while rewarding them with an outdoor adventure.
3. Bond with your forever friend
Daily walks help to strengthen the bond you have with your dog and give you a chance to work on your dog’s leash training along with other things that you might have taught them, like:
- Come
- Sit
- Down
- Spin
- Shake
- Rollover
Your dog will take pride in showing off all the skills that they have learned, and as a dog parent, you will like showing them off as well.
4. Bust boredom with variety and routine
You probably get bored with the same route, and your dog will too. Remember to vary where you walk: neighborhood, parks, trails, etc. Taking a daily walk will help your dog form an established routine, and this, in turn, will build your four-legged friend’s confidence. Don’t forget that your dog will probably be meeting other canines as you walk, so this will give them a chance to help them build social skills too.
How Walking Your Dog Benefits Your Health
Your dog isn’t the only one that will benefit from daily walks. Dog owners also receive many benefits from grabbing their dog’s leashing and getting outdoors. Just like your dog, you will be burning calories which will help you stay trim and keep your lungs and legs in good shape. Walking with your dog helps you destress and relax after a day at work.
What other surprising benefits do owners receive from a walking routine with their dogs?
1. Better sleep
There’s nothing worse than feeling tired but being unable to sleep well at night. Studies have found that going for a regular stroll will help you sleep better [1]. And who better to share that stroll with than your fur friend? Walking with your dog helps you feel more relaxed. More relaxation leads to better sleep and a better mood the next day.
2. Getting back in nature
People benefit from being outdoors almost as much as their dogs. This isn’t just a coincidence. Being in nature has proven to improve a person’s overall mental health [2].
Dog owners also get the benefit of meeting new people, too. You need friends as much as your dog does–and studies show dog owners are more socially engaged in their neighborhoods and elsewhere than non-dog owners [3].
Don’t forget those loving looks that you will get from your pup as you are walking–loving looks that will help to build your self-esteem and self-worth
More Walks = More Wags
There are many mutual benefits of dog ownership [4], including the benefits that you and your dog receive every time you go for a walk. Celebrate Walk Your Dog Month beginning today, and you and your dog will benefit from improved physical and mental health while you form a special bond.
Too busy to provide multiple walks per day?
Give us a call. We have experienced and trained dog walkers that can help you out. We are local, and we care about your dog almost as much as you do. Call and we will arrange for a meet and greet and discuss the needs of you and your dog.
References
[1] https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need.htm
[2] https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
[4] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.119.005554
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