When it comes to looking after your personal health, your priority is to eat nutritious food and get regular exercise. The same holds true for dogs. Dogs need to eat a balanced diet paired with daily physical activity to keep them healthy and fit.

A daily walk is one of the best ways to support your furry friend’s wellbeing. Walks are crucial for their optimal physical, mental, and psychological development. It helps them strengthen their muscles, stimulate their senses, work their social skills, and improve their motor functions.

Going without daily walks can negatively impact your dog’s health and cause behavioural issues. By their nature, dogs are not meant to sit still or be cooped up indoors for lengthy periods of time. They need to have opportunities for movement and exploration. Here are several more advantages to taking your dog out for a daily walk:

1.    Walking allows them to burn off calories

Like their human guardians, dogs need to burn off their excess energy and avoid eating more calories than they expend to keep from gaining unnecessary weight. Serious health issues can arise when a dog is overweight with muscle weakness, hypertension, and diabetes only being the tip of the iceberg. You can consult your veterinarian to determine your dog’s ideal weight. To help them achieve and maintain their weight targets, you can make sure they get enough time outdoors or sign up for dog training programs.

2.    Walks help relieve anxiety

Staying indoors can be tough on your pet. Dogs that don’t get a chance to work off their excess energy will release their frustrations on other things or people around them. They will feel bored and anxious, and as a result, they may overreact to stimulation or loud noises. Walking helps them release pent-up energy and soothe their senses, as well as promote better sleep and relaxation during downtime.

3.    Walking allows them to socialize

Walks give them a chance to socialize with other dogs, animals, and people. Like people, dogs are social creatures. They need to interact with others and learn to be around different beings to hone their social skills. Dogs who don’t know how to be around others can be aggressive and hostile. Expose them regularly to neighbours and other animals to help them gain confidence while in public spaces.

4.    Walks can help your dog feel secure

Dogs experience a myriad of emotions, just like humans. They will thrive when they are in a stable and secure environment that includes a predictable time for eating, sleeping, exercising, and socializing. When you can establish a routine for your dog, it helps assure them that they will have access to things to fill their needs throughout the day.

5.    Walking with your dog can strengthen your relationship

Nurturing your bond with your dog is another significant benefit of daily exercise. When you spend time with your dog outdoors, you learn to walk in sync with one another and listen to each other’s needs. Some dogs don’t even need to be on a leash because they have established a trusting relationship with their guardians. 

In Conclusion

While humans can go for several days without heavy physical exertion, the same isn’t true for dogs. When you welcome a dog into your home, be mindful that you have space or at least access to a place where they can run and play a few hours each day. You can take them to parks, open fields, or hiking trails to get their legs moving and hearts pumping. Some facilities also offer dog training or activity areas to help your pet have his physical and social needs met. Exercising daily and staying active can ensure you have an overall happy and healthy dog. 

Are you looking for a doggie daycare in Brandon, Manitoba? Our facility offers a safe and healthy environment to keep your pet happy, with plenty of space to run and exercise. We provide superior pet boarding, grooming, daycare and training. Call us to schedule your tour or book an appointment today!