Everyone is busy in today’s world, and you may find your dog walks decreasing in length or even sticking to backyard potty break only. If you aren’t finding time to regularly walk your dog, it might be time to bring in a professional dog walker.
Consistent 10-15 minute walks are the best for your pet and frequency is more important than length. You don’t need to walk your dog for miles to see health benefits; it is better to take them shorter distances more regularly. If you are having trouble finding that consistency, Peak City Puppy can help!
Dog Walks Control Weight
Regular walks are a necessity for your dog’s physical health. Walks burn fat and boost muscle mass at the same time. Cardiovascular activity will help regulate your pet’s weight, keeping them in their healthy weight range. Overweight dogs tend to lead shorter lives with increased health problems. Just as humans need exercise to maintain a healthy weight, so do our pets. Spike can’t join a gym or go for a run on his lunch break, so pets need their humans to schedule their exercise.
Dog Walks Maintain Joint Health
Dog walks also play an important role in your dog’s joint health. Weight-bearing exercises, including walking, help maintain muscle mass and keep joints active and healthy. Regular short-to-moderate length walks on even, flat surfaces are the most effective. Plan for 10-15 minute walks, and if you’re able to include dirt paths or grassy trails, that can be better for joints. Just as concrete is hard on us, it isn’t the most forgiving surface for pets. Regular walks help lubricate joints and reduce stiffness, meaning your dog will feel better and be less likely to need joint medication.
Walks Aid Digestion
Regular walks help your dog stay on schedule both mentally and digestively. If you regularly walk your dog, you likely know the simple joy of having him poop on every walk, and maybe even in the same spot. My youngest dog likes to poop in the “devil strip” on the left-hand side, near our waste station. If we are walking another direction or on another path, I can almost guarantee he won’t go. So, we make the special potty place part of our regular walk. Routine and consistency help your pet know what to expect and when to eliminate. The activity helps them digest, and the routine helps them be predictable. It also allows you or your dog walker to keep an eye on digestive health. Is the amount of poop consistent? Is the consistency soft without being runny? Color? It’s important to be familiar with your pet’s poo to keep an eye on their health. Any lasting changes or red flags should be followed up on with your veterinarian.
Red Flags for Dog Poop
- Black/tarry
- Bright red/bloody
- Excess mucus or slime
- Jam-like pinkish purple
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Constipation lasting more than 24 hours
- Lethargy/loss of appetite
A professional dog walker will let you know if they have any concerns with your pet.
Dog Walks for Senior Pets
Just like I always told my grandpa (who lived to be 90) – if you don’t use it, you lose it. Sometimes we don’t feel like walking. Sometimes we feel old and cranky and our back hurts. Sometimes our pets are the same…but remember that walking is good for health. Easing pain, increasing cardiovascular health, keeping your pup healthier longer – walking helps do all of those things. Also, remember that consistency is important, not mileage. A senior dog does not need to run or walk five miles, but going for a walk around the block twice a day will help tremendously. If needed, talk to your veterinarian about supplements, vitamins, and recommendations, but don’t stop walking your dog just because they are getting older. Work together on a plan to keep your pet healthy and active.
If you have any questions related to dog walking or how to schedule Peak City Puppy walks for your pup, please reach out!
Peak City Puppy: https://peakcitypuppy.com/
Dog walkers: https://peakcitypuppy.com/dog-walking-2/
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