6 Benefits to Walking Your Pet
It’s a new year and that means a fresh start! January is National Walk your Pet Month.
Did you know there are actual health benefits to taking your pet for a walk? It’s true! And I am going to lay out the most important ones for you in this month’s blog post.
So no more excuses because walking your pet is you and your pet’s next steps towards a happier life!
6 Benefits you and your pet can both share from daily walks together
- Stress relief
- Strengthening your bond
- Increased self esteem
- Improves digestion and urinary health
- Alleviates boredom
- Builds a sense of community
#1 Stress Relief: Walking your pet relieves the days stresses for you both
How so you may ask? The simple act of going for a walk outside releases all kinds of stress. Sniffing is calming to your pet- while fresh air does your body good. Being outside in nature has a way of melting away all the stressful things that happened that day and makes you focus on yourself, your pet and the outdoors. Not to mention the physical exertion from walking releases any tension their body has kept in all day- helping to decrease their stress levels
#2 Strengthen your bond with your pet: Walking your pet helps create a connection
Walking your pet creates better communication between you both. Have you ever seen when a dog looks up at their owner while walking? They are constantly taking cues from you. You are their support system and those little jesters builds a trust between the two of you- improving their overall behavior. Walking is also a fantastic time to pick up on your pet’s body language and how they communicate with their world around them. You may think the simple act of walking is just that, but it creates a lasting connection with each step you take.
#3 Increased self esteem in your pet and you
Walking your pet helps build their confidence and self esteem while interacting with the world around them. With you by their side they can feel comfortable to explore new sights and smells. Not to mention, the companionship of our nonjudgmental and loving four legged friends have several mental health benefits for us as well- including increasing our own sense of self-esteem. Who would’ve thought it goes both ways?!
#4 Improves digestion and urinary health
According to VCA Hospitals, consistent walks can also improve digestive and urinary health. Think of it this way, have you ever had a heavy meal that just seems to sit in your stomach and then gone for a short walk and felt like things started moving again? That’s what walking does for your pet as well. Regular walks are a healthy and fun way to help your pet relieve themselves.
#5 Alleviates boredom for the both of you
Sitting home all day can get pretty lonely for your pet and walking by yourself can be boring at times. Walking with your pet alleviates that boredom for the both of you. A walk with an enthusiastic pet is instant companionship. A pet that doesn't receive sufficient exercise can easily become bored or destructive. So do yourself a favor and prevent that destructive behavior with a walk to alleviate that boredom.
#6 Community related benefits: Friendly exchanges with neighbors and complete strangers
Walking your pet is a wonderful opportunity for socializing, for both you and your pet. Your pet gets to experience new people, surroundings, smells as well as other pets they meet along the way. While you have the opportunity to get to know your neighbors and their pets as well. Oftentimes you become more approachable when you have a pet by your side. Pets really can help build a sense of community.
Bonus: Walking is not just for dogs, cats that are leash trained also benefit from a good walk too!
Many people think that leash-training a cat is a little ridiculous. On the contrary, there are many cats that can benefit from outdoor access while on a leash. A benefit for cats who have been leash trained are able to maintain a normal weight. Not to mention, you give them an interesting outlet to relieve their stress and keep their boredom at bay as well. It can also help increase their bond with you. All the benefits I’ve listed above can equally be as beneficial for your cat. A little tip first though, make sure your cat actually wants to go outside and take a walk. After all, it’s all about improving their health and happiness, not increasing their stress!
Shopping for the perfect pet walking harnesses and leashes
Chloe Cole Pet Couture has a wide arrange of sizes, colors and styles of harnesses and leashes for both cats and dogs.
Shop Cat Collars, Shop Cat Walking Vest and Harness
As you can see, walking your pet creates all of these benefits for not only your pet but for you as well. Each one of these can be an added benefit to you.
A regular walk is important for everyone’s health. Obesity in pets and people is associated with a number of medical complaints including osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and insulin resistance.
A walk can make you and your pet very happy. They love to check out the sights and smells and will really look forward to spending time with you each day. And I promise, you will look forward to spending time with them too. It’s honestly a win win for you both!
