5 Surprising Benefits of Walking Your Dog Daily
From improving moods to better cardiovascular health, we all know how beneficial walking is for us. Daily walks are also advantageous for your dogs since they’re extremely energetic beings who need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Here are five benefits of walking your dog daily.
Maintains Bodyweight
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reported that over 50% of dogs are overweight in the United States. All animals need to maintain a healthy body weight to be able to move properly and live longer. Studies show that overweight and obese dogs have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease, to name a few. A daily walk can help your dog live a healthier and longer life by keeping them fit.
Improves Digestive Health
Animals should follow a daily routine for consumption and excretion for optimal digestive health. Consistent daily walks and activities help create that routine for them as they better understand their timings for exercise, consumption and excretion. Taking your dog on a daily walk can reduce constipation, irregular excretions and bladder infections. If you think you might not be consistent with dog walking, hiring a dog walker on busy days is an ideal solution.
Lowers Bad Behavior
Dog owners who don’t walk their dogs enough report that their furry friends show signs of aggression and frustration. Dogs are energetic animals and thus, lack of exercise can lead to bad behavior such as aggressive barking, torn couches and broken furniture. Walking can help dogs constructively release their excess energy, helping them behave better throughout the day.
Improves Mental Health
Aside from better physical health benefits, dog walking has numerous mental health benefits. When dogs go on long walks, they’re exposed to the great outdoors, which reduces their stress levels. In fact, a surprising 93% of dog owners claim that their dogs are destressed after a walk. With improved mental health, your dog can get a good night’s sleep.
Socialization Benefits
Dogs are playful animals and long walks can enable them to interact and play with other dogs. If your dog is shy or frightened of other animals, daily walks can enable them to gain self-confidence and make new canine friends over time.
Every dog breed requires a unique walking routine with varying duration to intensity. That’s where Bark Industries come in. We are a team of expert dog walkers in Chicago that can provide your dog with the right walking experience while giving you back your precious time. Our knowledge and experience with different breeds can help provide the right care your dog deserves. Check out our dog services for more information.