Your dog will pay attention as soon as you look at the leash. His tail begins to wag as you stand up and walk towards the door.
When you ask your dog “Do you want to take a walk?” he jumps for joy.
Many dogs just love to go for a walk every day.
This is a great way to keep them active and mentally stimulated in a way that yard time can’t. Walking daily can increase flexibility, strengthen muscles and regulate bowel movements.
How much walking do dogs need?
There is no set amount of time dogs should be active per day. This will depend on the breed and age of your dog. This number should generally be between 30 and 2 hours with smaller breeds and larger breeds like shepherds and retrievers being the most active.
We have great suggestions for indoor exercise for those who cannot afford to take their dog outside.
Did you know that your dog’s exercise can also have health benefits? Continue reading to discover four ways regular walks with your dog can improve your overall health, well-being, and outlook.
Strong Bones and Muscles
Dog walking can have many benefits, including strengthening your bones and muscles. This can help you both live long and happy lives.
Walking is an excellent low-impact activity that can be used to build joint strength.
It is important to teach your dog how to walk on a leash. You can be hurt if your dog pulls and drags you along the sidewalk.
Start by setting up a low-distraction area, such as in a quiet place of the house, to teach your dog how to walk by your side (“loose lead”). If your dog pulls, you should stop and say “no pull!” in a happy tone.
You can take a few steps ahead and reward your dog if they follow you without pulling on the leash.
Get your Sleep Well
Your dog might be taking a nap after a long walk or playing time. Exercise is exhausting for dogs and us too.
Even though adult humans need less sleep than dogs (we only need 7-8 hours compared to their 12-14), studies show that regular exercise can improve your sleep quality at night.
Even after light to moderate aerobic exercise, if your body is tired, it will be easier for you to fall asleep and rest more easily.
To achieve this benefit, you must be active for at least 30 minutes
Some people find that exercising late at night can disrupt their sleep. It is easier to keep your walks to the daytime if you include your dog in your exercise program.
A healthy heart
Walking your dog every day can also improve your cardiovascular health. This refers to your heart health and blood vessels.
Exercise will strengthen all your muscles, and it will also help your heart muscle to pump blood more efficiently. Increased blood flow can reduce the risk of developing heart attacks by reducing the number of clots.
There’s more good news: you don’t have to run a marathon to reap the health benefits of daily exercise. Walking with your dog can be even better, as their enthusiasm and desire to go outside can help you stay on track.
Regular aerobic exercise can help keep your heart healthy and prevent cardiovascular disease. This includes stroke and coronary heart disease.
Tighten Your Waistline
You can take your dog for walks multiple times per day if you have the time. If weight loss is your goal, it’s a good idea to start by walking every morning.
Studies show that exercising in the morning can help you make better choices in all aspects of your life, including choosing fresh fruits and eggs for breakfast over bacon and pancakes.
Exercise with your dog is more motivating than doing it alone. You will find that your dog will get so excited about going for a walk every day when you establish a routine.
Summary
Walking your dog is great for your health. It will also benefit your body by strengthening your muscles, including your heart.
These benefits sound wonderful, but you don’t want to get a dog that triggers your allergies or the allergies of a loved one, then consider a hypoallergenic breed .
You can achieve your health goals with these dogs without worrying about them shedding a lot of dander.