Walking your pets is so incredibly important. Even if they have a yard to do their business in each day, taking them for walks around the neighborhood or hikes nearby is extremely beneficial for both you and them! Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference in your's and your dog's life.
Photo Credit: Metro Paws®
There are so many benefits for your pet! One of the obvious would be keeping them a healthy weight from the exercise. But did you know that walking also helps aid in a healthy digestive system? The movement helps move things along on the inside for regular poops! The exercise from longer walks also helps in reducing destructive behavior since they are often more tired and less ornery after a walk.
Walking regularly helps mental stimulation by creating a basic foundation for physical and mental health. Dogs want to know the world around them and keeping them cooped up for too long can cause issues like anxiety. Let them get out and explore the sights, smells, and sounds of the world. Another way to continue the stimulation is to constantly change your walking routes.
Photo Credit: Metro Paws®
Regular walking also helps with their socialization from the people and other dogs they come across. Reminder to take precaution if your dog is reactive! But letting your dog meet others on walks can help with dogs learn acceptable ways of socially interacting with new animals while also building their confidence around other dogs.
There are also many benefits for you! You're not just exercising your pet but you're getting exercise for yourself! Need to reach those 10,000 daily steps? Walk the dog…a lot! The exercise can result in improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure and stronger muscles and bones (built up by walking regularly). Plus, it can help decrease your stress levels.
Photo Credit: Terman.SL
When out for a walk, be sure to always be stocked up on Poopy Packs® in your Poopcase® so you aren't left empty handed when your pet does their business!