January Is National Walk Your Dog Month: 6 Reason Why Walking Can Help You Have A Happier, Healthier Year With Your Dog

​If one of your resolutions is to become more active, walking with your dog is a great way to get moving. Walking not only helps you and your dog to bond and stay healthy, but also has numerous other benefits.

1. Let Out Some Steam!
Walking is a great energy outlet. If a dog doesn’t expend enough energy, behavioral issues such as chewing or separation anxiety can develop. Make sure that you have plenty of fresh water waiting for them at home and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day.

2. Training Made Just A Bit Easier
A tired dog is easier to train than a dog full of energy. During walks, you can reinforce positive behaviors such as heeling, sitting, and walking close to you by bringing along some tasty treats as a reward. If your pet is a puller, we have Gentle Leaders and harnesses that can help.

3. Mental Stimulation
Walking helps the mind as well as the body. During the course of a walk, your dog will be exposed to a variety of smells, sights, and sounds that simply cannot be obtained by staying in a fenced area. Walking reduces stress and anxiety for people as well as dogs!

4. Help Prevent Roaming
Getting out of the house is a way to fulfill a dog’s need to roam and improve his/her sense of direction. 

5. Socialization Is Key
Walks allow your pet to meet other people and dogs. These encounters help build his/her confidence and social skills. Dogs who are not socialized tend to be more fearful, shy, and withdrawn, especially when meeting new people or pets.  A social dog is a happy, well balanced dog! If you have multiple dogs, walking them together can help them bond and prevent behavior issues between them. Find the nearest dog park near you for some extra fun! 

​6. Lengthen Their Life
Regular walks can improve and lengthen your pet’s life and exercise helps prevent and manage chronic diseases by keeping your pet at a healthy weight. If your pet has arthritis and diabetes, walking can greatly benefit their health! While the goal is 30 min a day, some pets may struggle with a certain distance or length of time at first. The most important part is to keep moving and creating healthy habits. Start with a shorter walk and build up to your goal!​

As you walk your pet, we would like to reinforce the importance of having your pet microchipped in case he/she happens to be an escape artist. Microchipping your fur-baby gives you the best chance of being reunited with them.

Walking for 30 minutes a day fulfills the national recommendation for physical activity. Having a walking buddy by your side will keep you motivated and help you stick with your New Year’s resolutions! So remember to keep your pet's vaccines up-to-date, always have them wear a leash, and walk your way to a healthy year!

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Do you have question about your pet's health or weight? Visit Dr. Tanner Tracy here in Cypress, TX. 

Call (281) 970-0601 or click here to request an appointment online.

We accept CareCredit and are seeing new patients.  

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