Top 10 reasons to exercise your dog daily

If you’re a dog owner, keeping your best friend active and in shape is critical for their overall wellbeing. As with human beings, regular exercise is beneficial for the mind and body, helping to reduce stress levels, improve cardiovascular health, and keep your weight in check. Dogs can reap the same benefits from physical activity, which is why you need to get into the habit of exercising your dog daily.

Even though we’re currently in unprecedented times because of the coronavirus, you’re still allowed to take your dog out for a walk in any tier system or lockdown. To keep your dog in good health, here are some of the key reasons why regular exercise is a must for your best pal.

Exercise is Fun

As a dog owner, you will be all too familiar with how excited your dog gets when you announce that you’re going for a walk. Dogs love to be outdoors in the fresh air and exploring their surroundings, so getting into the habit of taking them out will benefit you both. While there will be times where you dread the thought of going out in the cold, wind, and rain, your dog needs to get their daily dose of exercise which will keep their health and wellbeing in check. You may not realise it, but your dog will thank you in their own way for taking them on a walk.

Keeps Your Dog Active

As your dog exercises, they can burn off a ton of calories, tone their muscles, and improve their overall health. If you make regular physical activity a regular part of their routine, your dog is more likely to maintain a suitable body weight. If your dog loses muscle mass, this can affect their mobility, energy levels, and stamina, so keeping your dog active is critical for their wellbeing.

Keeps You in Shape

While your dog will benefit enormously from going on a walk, you may not be aware of the health benefits you can gain. Many dog owners reap all kinds of health advantages, such as managing stress better, reducing anxiety, boosting heart health, and topping up your vitamin D levels. If you’re cooped up indoors due to COVID-19, having some time away from the same four walls and walking the streets with your canine companion can be a great opportunity to escape and clear your mindset. Once you start to get fitter and your energy levels improve, you can take your dog on longer walks and hikes that will benefit your pooch.

Strengthens Your Bond

There is nothing quite like forming a close bond with your dog. While it’s great to make connections with human beings and having a partner, dogs provide unconditional love that is like no other. When playing and exercising with your dog, you will form a close relationship that can never be broken. A strong bond also helps keep your pooch happy and alert, and enables them to lead a good quality of life. If you can get outside early in the morning when no one else is around, embarking on a walking trail with just you and your pooch can create memories that you will cherish forever.

Reduces Your Dog’s Weight

If your pooch has piled on the pounds over the Christmas period, now is the right time to get your dog to exercise. While you may think you were doing no harm letting your best friend have extra treats and food around the festive season, an overweight or obese dog is at a higher risk of developing serious health conditions, like heart disease, osteoarthritis, and hypertension. Regular physical activity does wonders in terms of keeping your dog’s weight in check. If you are struggling to slim down your dog, don’t hesitate to speak to your vet for more advice.

Improves Your Dog’s Behaviour

For those who are having to work from home at the minute, no one wants to deal with a hyper dog running riot around the home. If you have a puppy wreaking havoc, check out this guide from YuMOVE on the best ways to exercise your young dog. While YuMOVE are primarily known for their range of dog joint supplements to help with mobility, they have health guides that can teach even the most experienced dog owners new things. Regular exercise can help keep your dog’s stress and boredom at bay, meaning your prized possessions will be kept safe and secure. If your pooch starts acting up, a quick walk around the block may be all it takes to calm them.

Opportunity to Socialise

If you have one dog and live alone, taking them out for a walk can be brilliant for the both of you in terms of socialising. Passersby are more likely to interact with you and your pooch, which can be a great way to build connections with those local to you. If there are other dogs in the area, your dog has the opportunity to make their own friends. Dogs need to be out in the open just as much as human beings, as the lack of socialisation can result in phobias and extreme anxiety. In the unprecedented times we find ourselves in, having a quick conversation with a stranger can make all the difference to your own mental health.

Improves Digestion

Your dog needs to have a healthy digestion system to function at their best. Like humans, regular physical activity is proven to have a positive impact on your dog’s digestive system. Regular walks and playtime can aid in relieving constipation, as well as making sure your canine friend’s stools are much more frequent and healthier. When taking your dog for a stroll, they may use this time to clear their bowels, meaning you won’t have to worry about any nasty surprises on your prized rug!

Boosts Your Dog’s Mental Wellbeing

Your dog’s mental health is just as important as their physical state. If your dog is starting to act out of character, this could be a sign that they are anxious or depressed. No one wants to see their best friend in this way, which is why you need to make sure your dog is getting plenty of daily exercise. Whether you play in the living room, back garden, or go on a lengthy walk, your dog will instantly reap the benefits of exercise.

Improves Sleep

If your dog is restless at night and causing mayhem around the home, this is a sign that they may need more exercise throughout the day to burn adrenaline. More physical activity will help your dog settle down as nighttime approaches, meaning there will be no interruptions in the night from your dog wanting to play. Once you get a good night’s sleep, you can wake up early in the morning, get the leash and take your pooch out for a well-deserved walk.

No matter how old your dog is or the breed you have, all dogs love to go for walkies. Whether you live in a quiet village, town, or bustling city, there is no excuse not to take your pooch out for a stroll. Walking and exercising together can benefit your health in numerous ways, helping to keep stress levels at bay.