Mount Carmel Animal Hospital discusses the relevance and benefits of National Walk Your Dog Week.
A lack of exercise in pets contributes to severe physical conditions such as obesity, which may result in other health conditions like pancreatitis, arthritis, and a higher risk of heart disease. With all this in mind, Mount Carmel Animal Hospital discusses the relevance and benefits of National Walk Your Dog Week.
Benefits of Dog Walking
One of the critical benefits of walking your dog daily is contributing to a healthier weight and reducing the risk of obesity. At the same time, daily walks can also benefit pet owners. Excellent cardiovascular health is one of the most significant physical benefits, with lower blood pressure, stronger bones and muscles, and lower stress levels. When you have reduced stress, that means less stress for your dog, too.
When dogs exercise routinely, they are less likely to perform destructive behaviors such as barking excessively, chewing furniture, whining, and going potty inside the house. National Walk Your Dog Week was created to remind people everywhere of the significance of walking your canine regularly and how it can simultaneously benefit pet parents emotionally, socially, mentally, and physically.
How Long Should You Walk Your Dog For?
There is no set answer because different dogs require different needs. While some canines only need 30 minutes daily, others have higher energy levels and may need up to two hours. It all depends on the type of dog you have, your dog’s age, and their physical needs. Remember, you don’t have to complete your dog’s exercise needs in one go. You may divide their daily walks into shorter ones rather than going for one long walk.
If this is a significant step for you and you are nervous about starting out, try taking short practice walks around the block first, lasting about 10 minutes at a time. As you gain more confidence, extend each walk by several minutes until you satisfy your daily goal.
Ways to Participate in National Walk Your Dog Week
- If you need to start walking your pet more regularly, set a daily goal for walking him or her based on their needs. You could take the opportunity to explore new locations!
- Arrange a pet wellness check-up at your local veterinary hospital if you are concerned about your dog’s health condition.
- Consider spreading the word about National Walk Your Dog Week by posting or sharing it on social media or word of mouth.
- Volunteer for shelters or organizations to walk dogs.
If you have determined it’s time to exercise your dog more, set reasonable goals for you and your pet, and don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice from us if you have any questions.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook.