Time to Walk the Human

Do you want to boost your health and happiness? Grab your furbaby’s leash because after you read these 8 healthful benefits of dog walking we know you will want to make this part of your daily routine.

Exercise A Plenty

Walking your dog isn’t just a stroll in the park; it’s a full-blown workout for both of you! Whether you’re trotting around the block or hiking through the woods, those steps add up, keeping your heart pumping and your muscles moving.

Researchers analyzed 17 studies that looked at how many steps people took, typically in a weeklong period, and followed up on their health outcomes after around seven years. They concluded that a habit of walking just under 4,000 steps per day reduced the risk of dying from any cause, including from cardiovascular disease.

That translates into a 30- to 45-minute walk, or roughly two miles, although it varies from person to person, said Dr. Seth Shay Martin, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine and an author of the study. But the more steps you take, the better off you are: Mortality risk decreased by 15 percent with every additional 1,000 steps participants took according to the New York Times.

Great for Mental Health

Walking your dog isn’t just good for the body; it’s also great for mental health. Spending time outdoors, breathing the fresh air, and soaking up the sights and sounds of nature can do wonders for your mental health. Say goodbye to stress and hello to a clear mind. Walking gives you time to think, you may find that it gets the creative juices flowing more freely. Studies have shown that pet owners who walk their dogs tend to live longer, healthier lives. So by taking good care of your furry friend, you’re also taking good care of yourself!

Better Sleep & Boost your Vitamin D

Did you know that soaking up some rays during your daily dog walk can give you a much-needed dose of vitamin D? This essential vitamin not only helps strengthen your bones but also boosts your immune system, keeping you strong and healthy. Spending time outdoors exposes you to sunlight, which helps your body produce vitamin D. On a serious note, taking your dog for a stroll during the day can help you catch some much-needed Z’s at night. The combination of fresh air, exercise, and mental stimulation can help you drift off into dreamland faster than you can say “fetch!”

Meet New People

Walking your dog is the perfect excuse to get out there and meet new people. Whether you’re exchanging woofs with fellow dog owners at the park or sharing smiles with neighbors on your street, walking your pup is a surefire way to make new friends and strengthen your community bonds. Many communities have dog parks and walking paths to explore. Lace up the sneakers and go exploring.

Weight Management for You Both

Struggling to shed those extra pounds? Fear not, because your furry friend is here to help! Regular walks with your dog can help both of you maintain a healthy weight, keeping those pesky pounds at bay and your energy levels soaring.

Walking your dog for weight loss or to improve fitness is very different than walking for pleasure. The average dog-walking pace is around 25 minutes per mile. That’s a slow stroll and isn’t fast enough to reach an aerobic state. Instead, you’ll want to leash your dog and get them moving fast enough to increase their heart rate into the fat-and-calorie-burning zone. At the right pace, your dog should be trotting along next to you, with a short stride and rapid stride turnover.

Since you’ll be setting the pace, pick a speed you can comfortably maintain — ideally between 15 and 20 minutes per mile (or 3 to 4 miles per hour). You should feel like you’re taking a brisk walk and you should even break into light sweat. Again, how fast you and your dog walk will depend on your dog’s current condition and fitness. This advice is from Diamond Pet Food Blog 7 tips to Help Walk Away the Pounds

Improve Your Heart Health

Walking is fantastic for your cardiovascular health, helping to lower your risk of heart disease and keep your ticker ticking happily. Walking for an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke by 35% percent and Type 2 diabetes by 40%. The Heart Foundation of Australia says that when it comes to walking for heart health, some is better than none (and more is even better). If you’re not physically active, start by doing 10 minutes of brisk walking, and gradually build up to the recommended amount. 

Enjoy Each Other

Walking your dog isn’t just about getting exercise; it’s also a golden opportunity to strengthen your bond with your furry friend. Use this time to reinforce obedience training, work on commands, or simply enjoy each other’s company. Every walk with your dog is a new adventure waiting to happen! Whether you’re exploring a new trail, sniffing out hidden treasures in the neighborhood, or chasing squirrels (well, maybe your dog is doing most of the chasing), walking together is always an exciting journey filled with laughter and tail-wagging fun.

live a longer, more fulfilling life. Studies have shown that pet owners who walk their dogs tend to live longer, healthier lives. So by taking good care of your furry friend, you’re also taking good care of yourself! aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of walking each day. Of course, some dogs may need more or less exercise, so it’s essential to tailor your walks to your pup’s individual needs. By the way February 22 is National Walk Your Dog Day

But Don’t Forget the Poop!

Walking your dog doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be time for adventure and a time to enjoy nature. So grab that leash, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to your pooch happy! Together, you and your furry friend can conquer the world—one paw print at a time. Hey but Don’t forget the poop bag! Your dog – Your Poop! Your neighbors and others will certainly thank you! Let the adventure begin!