7 reasons you should walk your dog more (for him and you!)

January is Dog Walking Month and it’s a great time to remember that despite the cold weather, walking your dog can be one of the best moments of the day. The benefits of dog walkies are fabulous for both you and your dog.   

Reason 1: Bonding Time

Your daily walk is the best time for you and your pooch to bond even closer and to be a real interactive team. Escaping the daily work routine, boredom, problems and lockdown stresses and anxieties, walking together focuses your attention on each other and all the new experiences that come along the way. The two of you rely on each other which strengthens your relationship, trust, and confidence.

Reason 2: Mental Health Booster

Strong mental health is vital for you and your dog. Daily walks bring new experiences and new sights that stimulate both your brains – and creates beautiful lasting memories. Doing something different on each walk keeps that stimulation high and makes them even much more interesting.

Reason 3: Physical Health and Longevity

Daily exercise is the best way to lower cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and to improve cardiovascular health. Walking is one of the best exercises for the whole body as the heart, lungs, muscles, joints and tendons all get strengthened. And this doesn’t just apply to you – it applies to your dog too! Moreover, research shows that dog owners live longer even after a heart attack.

Reason 4: Emotional Health

Daily walks help you and your dog get rid of any excess energy and by channelling it in fun game and play time in the park you can improve your mood and stress levels no end.  Enjoying yourself and being happy in the moment is vital for ongoing emotional health.

Reason 5: Time to Socialise

Walking your dog is a great way to become socially active (even under lockdown measures). Meeting new people and other dogs is one way to combat loneliness – even if you have to do it from a distance.

For your dogs, socialising with other dogs is a great way to let your dog learn social hierarchy which makes your daily life much easier. As an extra bonus, maybe your daily walk will introduce you to the love of your live and your dog to its canine partner too!

Reason 6: Reduces Stress

Interacting with your dog leads to both a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol and the excretion of the hormones responsible for love, happiness and wellbeing. Therefore, daily walks are a perfect way to reduce stress and to feel more happiness. And as additional benefit, walking enhances the immune systems in both you and your dog.

Reason 7: Perfect Weight Loss Programme!

More than 60% of adults and 50% of dogs are obese in UK. So daily walks can be an ideal weight loss remedy for you and your furry friend. Just 20 minutes of daily walking can help you to lose 14,4 pounds per year alone without any change in diet; your dog will benefit from a slim waist as well.

Article by Dr Margit Gabriele Muller, leading vet and award-winning author of Your Pet, Your Pill: 101 Inspirational Stories About How Pets Lead You to A Happy, Healthy and Successful Life, out now, available on Amazon.

Are you or someone you know searching for the perfect carer or companion? Renowned for our powerful jobs board, The Lady can help source the ideal candidate, from carers and companions, to Nannies or Housekeepers. Contact our expert team today: Vanessa.smith@lady.co.uk