We are at the tail end of National Walk Your Dog week, which is October 1-7. Walking your dog is not only great exercise for your dog, but for you as well!
As you probably already know, walking helps keep joints limber and muscles toned. It’s also good for your heart. Walking can also help you maintain or lose weight. All of this applies to dogs as well. Even older, arthritic dogs can go on short walks.
Walking doesn’t have to be a 2 mile hike. An older, arthritic dog may benefit from daily short walks around the block to help keep joints lose and mobile (use caution and pay attention to your dog-don’t allow him to overdo it). Young or energetic dogs benefit from a walk or two a day to help get the energy out.
Tired of walks around the block? Many rural areas and metro parks have trails that allow dogs. It’s a great change of scenery for them and for you. If you have an energetic or athletic dog, a trail through the woods would be good. (Please be responsible: pick up your dog’s waste and avoid trails labeled no pets allowed).
Even a quick, 5-10 minute daily walk around the block is beneficial to both you and your dog. Don’t let the weather stop you. Early morning and late evening will help you avoid the extreme heat. If you yourself can’t walk your dog, consider hiring a dog walker. If you have a teenager in your neighborhood you trust, offer them $5-10 to take your dog for a walk. They’ll enjoy the money, and your dog will get some necessary exercise.
If your dog pulls or misbehaves on walks, ask us for suggestions to make walking your dog more pleasant. We carry gentle leaders and easy-walk harnesses for the strong pullers, as well as Adaptil collars and spray for the fearful or anxious dogs. We can also give you tips to train your dog to walk better.
Walking is good for the body as well as the mind! What kind of exercise is more fun than walking with your dog?!
Suburban Animal Clinic is located in