Did you know that January is Walk Your Pet Month? If you have a dog, you may think that every month is Walk Your Pet Month, and you wouldn’t be wrong. However, daily strolls aren’t just important for sanitary reasons. A Greater Cincinnati vet lists some great benefits of daily walks below.
Dogs need proper activity to stay healthy. Of course, our canine pals are all different in this regard. For a small pup, a walk around the block may more than suffice for a daily workout. Other pooches may need more vigorous activity. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Walks don’t just help keep dogs fit. They also offer Fido beneficial mental stimulation. We know, sniffing the neighbor’s lawn doesn’t sound very exciting to us. However, your four-legged friend has an extremely astute sense of smell, and can pick up all sorts of information from scents. He’ll also benefit from the change of scenery. You wouldn’t want to be cooped up in the same place all the time, either!
While some pups are furry, four-legged couch potatoes, others are pretty much bouncing balls of zoom. If your canine buddy has a lot of energy, walks will help him burn some of it off. This is very important! Tiring Fido out can really help reduce unwanted behaviors, like digging and chewing. After a vigorous walk, your playful pet will likely be more interested in napping than in eating your sofa cushions.
Dogs can form very strong bonds with their human buddies. However, that friendship has to be nurtured. It’s important for you to spend quality time with Fido regularly. Walks are a great way to do that!
All those walks aren’t don’t just benefit Fido. They’re also great for you! Studies have shown that people who have dogs are less likely to be overweight than those without pups. That makes perfect sense. All those walks really add up! Plus, the fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are also good for you, both physically and mentally. Don’t think of walking your furry buddy as a chore. Think of it as a time to relax, unwind, and just enjoy being outside.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about your furry friend’s health or care. As your Greater Cincinnati pet clinic, we’re here for you!
