Ready to lace up your sneakers and prepare your pup’s paw pads? There are many physical and mental health benefits that come along with walking your dog on a daily basis. Here are four of the most “pawsitive” benefits of a neighborhood stroll together:
1. Increases physical activity.
Ever have those days you can’t seem to motivate yourself to work-out and dread getting up off the couch? Look no further than your canine pal for motivation. Your dog happens to be the perfect exercise partner. They’ll never bail on you at the last minute and will always be excited to get outside and get moving.
According to a 2017 study published in BMC Public Health, dog owners on average walk 22 more minutes per day compared to those who don’t own a dog. The more active you and your pup are, the healthier you’ll both be. Regular exercise together will help the two of you maintain healthy hearts, joints, muscles, and waistlines.
2. Provides mental stimulation.
Walking exercises the mind in addition to the body. Exploring new trails, meeting new furry and human friends, sniffing the grass all provide your pup with mental stimulation that’s almost impossible to replicate indoors.
Now is the perfect time of year to get outside with your dog; the weather is beautiful and dogs love smelling the new aromas that only come about from fall. Letting your dog stop and sniff that fire hydrant or pile of leaves they’re pulling you towards will make their walk even more enriching.
