Dog walking in general has many benefits to both the dog and its owner. While it is common sense that dogs need to be walked and taken outside so that they do not soil the owner's home, there are also 3 health benefits associated with walking one's pet as well.
Lose Those Doggie Pounds
Like dog owners in the United States, there is actually a growing weight problem associated with the dog community as well. So much so that drug companies like Pfizer have begun marketing products related to weight loss for canines.
There is an estimated 17 million overweight dogs in the United States. How is this possible you might wonder? Considering that these animals are generally active creatures it is unusual that such a trend exists.
Some of the common factors associated with the upsurge in overweight dogs have to do with the same issues us humans face; poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.
Walking your pet is a great way for them to get some exercise. Even better than simply walking is letting them run free at dog parks. However, simple and regular walking sessions can allow for dogs to get more of a feeling of activity and facilitates their natural urge to run around.
Coupling regular walking sessions with proper nutrition (hopefully organic dog food) will allow for dogs to have the best chance for losing weight.
A Cure for Depression
Yes, dogs get depressed too! The sunlight, which is so effective for regulating humans' moods", is also a necessary element for our four-legged friends as well. Daily walks sets a routine in the dog's life and the fresh air allows for reducing the feelings of confinement.
Just imagine if you were stuck in the house all day and only went outside for 10 minutes of the day. Well, the same goes for dogs. Fixing the dog to a daily routine and providing an appropriate window of time for the dog to walk around outside are essential to the psyche of our pets.
A Cure for What Ails You
Daily walking sessions helps dogs battle issues like poor socialization skills, restlessness, the dog becoming overly hype, and because of the weight loss associated with routine dog walking diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer and respiratory problems can be held in check.
Most important to the list of diseases is the respiratory and cardiovascular issues sedentary dogs face as they age.
If you cannot commit to daily walking sessions, then a minimum of 20-30 minute sessions three times a week can still help them battle the above stated issues.
Therefore, while dog walking is important in its health benefits it is also important to feed dogs good quality dog food and be attentive to their behavior and weight.
If a dog is noticed to be restless, depressed and immobile and gaining weight it is advised to start putting the dog on a routine in order to change that trend.
At Wags, our dog walkers in va provide dog walking and general pet sitting services to people throughout Northern Virginia. Please visit Wagsdogwalkers.com to find out more information on our dog walkers in va.And remember to keep those dogs moving!Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Olivia_Knight
