Walk It Off for National Walk Your Pet Month
The winter months often make us want to hibernate indoors with some hot cocoa and a good book. But at some point during each day you should really be taking your dog for a W-A-L-K. It is National Walk Your Pet Month after all!
Daily walks are a great exercise routine for both humans and their pups. With obesity on the rise, especially among our beloved senior dogs , putting them at risk for other medical conditions that can shorten their lifespan, we should be doing all we can as pet parents to ensure they keep a healthy body weight. A walking routine can help, as well as provide in-numerous other benefits, including but not limited to those below:
Health: Regular walks can result in improved endurance, stronger muscles and bones, better digestion, and less painful joints. Not to mention, they’re great for mental health as well, which brings us to…
Behavioral: You’ll wind up with a very happy and tired dog! Dogs love to check out the sights and smells and will really look forward to spending time with you. A dog that doesn’t receive sufficient exercise can easily become bored or destructive at home. A walk can also help your pet to feel more relaxed rather than restless at bedtime.
Bonding: Barking and whining are just signs that your pet wants some attention from you. Regular activities, like walks, improve your bond with your dog and provide them with the attention they seek as they follow you.
Social: If you have a timid or fearful pet, regular walks can help build confidence and trust. You will likely be exposing your pet to other humans and animals alike, and with you there for comfort your pet can learn to be comfortable around them.
So, how often or how long should you walk/exercise your dog? Most dogs need to be walked at least once each day, though some dogs, particularly very active dogs, may require more. Breed, level of fitness, and age also need to be taken into account when determining how long and how vigorous your walk should be. Generally speaking, a total of at least 30–45 minutes a day is a good target, which can be accumulated across multiple walks.
Keep in mind that senior dogs are often more sensitive to extremes of temperature and may simply want to do their business and get back inside! Do your best to be mindful of the weather to ensure their comfort, but try to get them moving as much as possible. All dogs need exercise for their mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and it’s up to us to make sure they get more than just their tail moving!
If you’d like to learn more about how to keep your pet healthy and happy, then you’ll definitely want to check out my new online course, “Canine Massage & Wellness for Pet Parents.” You can find out more by clicking here.
~TheK9PT
Dr. Francisco Maia, PT, DPT, CCRT
In collaboration with:
Dr. Aliya Bahjet, PT, DPT
Professional Writer and Physical Therapist