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1. Weight and Body Condition
- Obesity is a major health issue, but barring medical complications, it has a reasonable solution: burn more calories than consumed.
- Regular exercise, like walking, is a good way to burn those excess calories and keep the pounds off – for both you and your dog.
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2. Joint Health
- Immobility is another common health problem. Joints, even old ones, need to work.
- People and pets get stiff when sedentary for too long, and keeping joints in motion improves their function.
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3. Digestive and Urinary Health
- Regular walking helps regulate the digestive tract.
- Some dogs, like some people, prefer to “go” on a schedule, and providing your dog with routine trips outdoors prevents constipation.
- Also, when urine sits in the bladder for long periods of time, bladder infections are more likely to occur, so regular emptying keeps this part of the anatomy happy as well.
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4. Mental Health
- Dogs do not like to be bored and if you give them something constructive to do, like taking a walk, they may be less likely to do something destructive like chewing the couch.
- Walking exercises the mind as well as the body. Watching wildlife, exploring new paths, seeing other people with their pets, and so on, are great mental stimulation for your dog that he just cannot get in the same fenced area all the time.
- Walking also releases excess energy and helps dogs sleep better at night.
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5. Emotional Health
- You are the center of your dog’s universe and he craves your attention. What better way to spend quality time with your dog than taking a walk?
- Spending one-on-one time with your dog will deepen your bond and help deter annoying, attention-seeking behaviors such as excessive barking or whining.
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6. Personal Health
- Many people need outside motivation to work out, and may depend on an exercise buddy to get them off the couch. What happens when your exercise partner gets stuck at work or stuck in traffic or has another commitment?
- Your dog is only committed to one thing… you!
- That makes him the perfect exercise partner.
- He is always available and willing to accompany you on a walk.
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Dog Walkers : Healthier People with Healthier Dogs
- As you can see, regular walking has health benefits for both you and your dog and will help prevent obesity, which is a significant problem in both species.
- Nearly 75% of Americans are overweight and childhood obesity is on the rise (close to 20%).
- In a 2008 study based in Seattle and Baltimore, adults who regularly walked their dogs were less likely to be obese than their non dog-owning neighbors.
- In addition, walking for 30 minutes a day will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and type-2 diabetes.
- Canine obesity is a problem, too. It is estimated that about 50% of dogs in the United States are overweight and 25-30% of dogs are obese.
- The fact is, obese dogs do not live as long as lean dogs.
- Plus, they suffer more heart problems and joint ailments that affect their quality of life.
- While it is true that dogs may exercise themselves if left in a fenced-in yard, like us, they have a tendency to plop down in the shade instead of romping, especially if there is no one to play with.
- However, if given the chance, they will gladly go for a walk with their owners!
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How Much Should We Walk?
- According to the World Health Organization, children 5-17 years old should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous (aerobic) exercise every day.
- Adults 18-64 years old should engage in moderate exercise for 30 minutes 5 days a week and engage in strengthening exercises at least twice weekly.
- Seniors over 65 should also participate in moderate exercise 5 days a week, engage in strengthening exercise 2 or more days a week, and add flexibility and balance routines at least 3 days a week.
- Walking your dog is a great start to fulfilling these recommendations for you and your family, and leads to a healthy, happier dog!
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Rewarding Your Efforts
- Some humans like to be rewarded for their workout efforts, so they grab a cookie or have a beer after exercising.
- After walking your dog, you may find his grateful, calorie-free affection is all the reward you need.
- And your dog will feel the same way! A simple stroll is a great way to say, “I love you!”
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IDEAS CURATED BY
Scribbling thoughts. Curating clarity. Ideas that inspire self-love, growth, and gentle focus.
Dymphna Lanjuran's ideas are part of this journey:
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