Your dog has your attention as soon as you look at the leash. When you stand up to walk toward the door, his tail begins to wag.
"Do you want to go for a walk?" you inquire. and your dog begins to jump for joy!
Many of our dogs enjoy nothing more than going for a daily walk and exploring the world.
It's a great activity for getting them physically and mentally active in ways that backyard time alone cannot. Daily walks can help them increase their flexibility, strengthen their muscles, lower their risk of obesity and other health issues, and regulate their bowel movements.
How much walking Do Dogs Require?
There is no hard and fast rule for how many minutes of activity dogs should have per day; this will vary depending on the breed and age of your dog. In general, this time should be between 30 minutes and 2 hours, with toy breeds needing less time and large breeds like retrievers and shepherds needing more.
If a long outdoor exercise is not an option for you, we have some excellent indoor dog exercise suggestions.
But did you know that walking your dog can also benefit your health? Continue reading to discover four ways that taking your dog for regular walks can benefit your overall health and well-being.
Muscles and bones that are strong
One of the most significant advantages of dog walking is that it strengthens muscles and bones (of both you and your dog), which can lead to long, happy lives for both of you!
Walking is a fantastic low-impact activity that is also beneficial to joint strength.
You must, however, train your dog to walk on a leash. If they are yanking and dragging you all over the sidewalk, they can injure themselves as well as strain your arm that is holding the leash.
Begin by teaching your dog to walk politely by your side (“loose leash”) in a low-distraction environment, such as a quiet room of the house. When your dog begins to pull, come to a complete stop and say, "no pull!" in a cheerful tone. When your dog lets go of the leash, reward him with verbal praise and a treat.
Take a few steps forward and reward your dog if they follow you without pulling on the leash!
Assist You in Sleeping
You may have noticed your dog taking a nap soon after returning home from a walk or playtime. This is due to the fact that exercise is exhausting—not only for them but also for us!
Although adult humans do not require as much sleep as dogs (we need 7-8 hours versus their 12-14), studies have shown that daily exercise can lead to better nighttime sleep.
When your body is tired, even after light to moderate aerobic exercise, you will find it easier to fall asleep and sleep more soundly.
To reap this benefit, you must engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity.
Exercising late at night can actually interfere with sleep for some people. Fortunately, incorporating your dog into your exercise routine will make it easier to limit your walks to daylight hours.
A Healthy Heart
Another advantage of walking your dog on a daily basis is that it improves your cardiovascular health, which refers to the health of your heart and blood vessels.
Exercise will help strengthen your heart muscle, which will help it become more efficient at pumping blood throughout the rest of your body, just as it will help strengthen the other muscles in your body. Improved blood flow reduces the formation of clots, which can lead to heart attacks.
More good news: you don't have to train for a marathon every day to reap the benefits of this health benefit.
Regular aerobic exercise will help you keep your heart healthy and prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure.
Waistline Tightening
Your dog would most likely enjoy going for multiple walks throughout the day, and if you have the time, you can certainly indulge them! However, if weight loss is one of your goals, starting with a morning walk is a great place to start.
According to studies, exercising in the morning can lead to healthier choices throughout the day, such as eating fresh fruit and eggs for breakfast instead of pancakes and bacon.
Because these dogs produce little dander, you'll be able to achieve your health goals without having to worry about sneezing or itchy eyes.
Exercising with your dog will help you stay motivated longer than if you were doing the same activity alone. Once you establish a routine, they will be so excited for their daily stroll that they will not let you go about your business until you get moving!
Summary
Walking your dog is not only good for your dog's health, but it also helps you by strengthening your muscles (including your heart) and aiding in sleep and weight loss.
If these advantages appeal to you, but you don't want a dog that will aggravate your or a family member's allergies, consider getting a hypoallergenic breed!
Read next: What Is a Munchkin Cat?
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