dog walking

Benefits of Exercising With Your Dog

Pets are not just animals that you live with, for most people. They are also a part of your family, and it is natural to want to include them on your group excursions. Exercising with your pet is great for both you and your dog. Whether you choose to just walk around the block or search for dog walking trails near me, you can both enjoy many benefits that come with exercising together.

Benefits of Exercising With Your Dog

There are many benefits that both you and your dog can take advantage of by exercising together.

  • Mental stimulation. If you never let the house, you would feel extremely bored on a daily basis. A great way to add some mental stimulation to your dog’s routine, prevent anxiety, and reduce stress is by getting out for a walk.
  • Prevent behavior issues. This goes hand in hand with mental stimulation. Many larger breeds in particular can develop maladaptive behaviors if they are not challenged both mentally and physically. Regular exercise can help prevent issues such as hyperactivity, chewing, or destruction of personal items.
  • Social interaction. You are more likely to encounter other dogs on your walk, especially if you go to a local dog park. Additionally, you may enjoy the interaction with other pet owners.
  • Improvement in behavior. It is important for dogs to have leash training, especially for those times when you have to travel with them. The perfect opportunity for you to work on other types of training as well is by going for a walk.
  • Increasing bonding. You will bond a lot deeper with your dog when you enjoy activities together, similar to human relationships.
  • Improved digestion. If you are looking for a way to improve your dog’s digestion and eliminate it more regularly, going for walks can do just that.
  • Exercise is beneficial for both of you. This is an obvious benefit of taking daily walks with your dog. Regular exercise can help prevent your dog from becoming overweight and developing health issues later on down the line. Of course, exercise is good for you too.

If you choose to venture out with your dog, remember to watch for signs of dehydration or exhaustion. Always keep a bottle of water and bowl on hand so that you can regularly offer water to your dog, especially if you plan on taking long hikes. In addition to water, bring plenty of treats and food if you plan on spending the entire day hiking. Additionally, you should keep an eye on various signs of aggressive behavior such as lunging, or growling. Go easy with introductions and, if necessary, be ready to intervene.

During your walks, if your dog develops discomfort or obvious pain, schedule a visit for your dog to have him assessed. After the hike, always take time to check your dog for ticks. The disease-carrying pests can be found almost anywhere on your dog’s body, particularly dark, moist spots. Check behind and inside of your dog’s ears, and between his toes. Additionally, you should check under the tail and around the genitals.