When dog owners say that they need to go walk the dog, most people assume that their dog needs to go do his or her business. Dog walking is a good way to keep your carpet unblemished. However, walking with your dog provides many health benefits, as well. Most pet owners simply need to say the word “walk” and their dogs’ tails start wagging like crazy.
In addition to being great fun and an excellent way to bond with your pooch, walking your dog is also good for his or her health and yours, as well. You will enjoy many social and health benefits when you walk your dog several times a week. Such benefits include decreased stress, stronger bones, and muscles, improved cardiovascular fitness, and more.
Regular walks will also benefit your four-legged friend. It will help prevent obesity in your dog, as well as associated complications, such as liver disease, osteoarthritis, insulin resistance, and heart disease.
You only need to walk your dog once each day. If your pooch is particularly active, however, you may need to walk him or her more than once. Your dog’s breed, as well as his or her age and fitness, will also determine how vigorous and how long your walk should be.
Like humans, dogs love to check out the smells and sights as they walk. Most importantly, they love spending time with their human friends. Taking your dog for regular walks will make him or her very happy. Some of the health benefits of walking with your dog include:
Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
In addition to keeping your muscular and skeletal system in peak working condition, regular walking is also good for your cardiovascular system. This system includes your arteries, veins, blood, and heart.
When your cardiovascular system is not working efficiently, your risks of developing serious health conditions will increase. Such conditions include heart disease, heart failure, and high blood pressure.
Regular walks with your dog will help lower your blood pressure, thereby lowering your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. They will also prevent your dog from developing health problems such as obesity due to limited activity. Regular walks, therefore, will keep your dog’s heart-healthy, as well.
Improved Balance
Most people are not aware that regular walking can help improve balance. As you get older, your sense of balance will gradually get worse. To compound this situation, certain medications, health conditions, and reduced flexibility can further worsen your balance. Fortunately, walking with your dog will help improve your balance, in addition to building your lower-body strength. This will protect you against injury caused by falls and other accidents.
Improved Management of Muscle and Joint Pain
When your muscles are sore and joints ache, your first instinct may be to avoid any physical activity like walking. According to Harvard Medical School, however, taking regular walks can help ease muscle and joint pain. The same applies even to individuals with arthritis. This is because it keeps cartilage tissues and bones healthy and strong, in addition to increasing muscle flexibility.
Improved Management of Blood-Sugar Levels
Studies show that low-impact workouts such as walking can help control and reduce blood sugar levels. Such activities help to increase insulin sensitivity, resulting in better control of blood sugar levels. An excellent way to optimize walking for diabetes control or prevention is to walk with your dog regularly. He or she will always be happy and willing to be your walking companion.
Learn more about the benefits of walking with your dog, contact Madison Animal Care Hospital in Madison, Alabama at (256) 461-7575 to learn more.
