The Many Benefits Of Walking Your Dog

You may already know that there are numerous health benefits to walking, but did you know it's great for your dog as well? Here are just a few good reasons why you should start today.

Dogs Need To Release Energy

If a dog doesn’t expend extra energy, behavioral issues, such as chewing or separation anxiety, can develop.  A tired dog is easier to train than a dog full of energy.  Plus during the walks, you can reinforce training such as heeling, sitting, etc. If your pet is a puller, gentle leaders and harnesses can help.

Regular Walks Can Help Prevent Your Dog From Roaming

During the course of a walk, your dog will be exposed to a variety of smells, sights, and sounds.  Getting out of the house is a way to fulfill a dog’s need to roam and improve his/her sense of direction. 

Dogs Are Social Animals

Socializing builds confidence and gives you a chance to show your dog how to interact with other animals in a positive way. While on your walk, you can monitor their behavior from the safety of a leash, while your dog enjoys all the excitement and stimulation that comes with making new friends!

Walking Is Good For Your Dog's Health - And Yours, Too!

Walking for 30 minutes or more each day can reduce your  risk of heart disease and other illnesses and these health benefits apply to your fur-baby as well. Walking also improves digestive health and helps relieve constipation that may arise as a result of a sedentary lifestyle.

​Over half of all dogs suffer with complications due to obesity. Exercise helps prevent and manage chronic diseases by keeping your pet at a healthy weight.  Dogs with arthritis and diabetes can benefit greatly from walking. ​

Bonding With Your Dog 

Setting aside time for you and your fur-baby builds trust and respect. Just like us, dogs need love and attention. Going on routine walks with your dog, can help strengthen your bond, and lead to a long, loving friendship!

Walk your dog regularly.

Regular walks can improve and lengthen your pet’s life. Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to help improve their heart function, and muscle tone. In addition to heart function, walking can be beneficial to their cardio-vascular system, their lymphatic system, and more. 

Safety Tips When Walking Your Dog

• As you, your family, and your pet enjoy walking out doors this season, follow the number one safety tip: Keep your pet leashed while on walks or exercising in public. 
• No matter how well-behaved and trained your pet is, outside distractions can be dangerous, even deadly. A leash helps prevent your pet from getting lost, fighting with other pets, chasing wild animals or running into traffic. Keeping your pet leashed can also prevent them from eating or drinking something that could make them sick. 
• During warmer weather and heightened outdoor activity, your pet may be tempted to drink from puddles, which could contain toxic chemicals such as car radiator coolant. Antifreeze smells and tastes sweet to your pet but if ingested can be bitterly fatal in even small quantities. 
• Please keep in mind that puppies should be NOT be walked in areas with other dog traffic until they are fully vaccinated to avoid exposure to disease. They should also avoid trails in The Woodlands until fully vaccinated due to concerns about leptospirosis.  

Make sure to keep his or her vaccinations up-to-date, and make walking part of your daily routine this year. Our animal hospital works with pet parents to make sure that their pet is happy and healthy.  If you need to get your pet's vaccines up-to-date, or if you have any concerns about your pet's weight or overall health, make an appointment with one of our caring and highly trained vets! ​​