October Newsletter: The Importance of Daily Dog Walks

Corgi patiently waiting for his walk.

Ready for a Walk? How Daily Walks Improve Your Dog's Life

Does your dog become uncontrollably excited every time you mention the word "walk"? Your pet's reaction isn't surprising. Walks give your furry friend the perfect opportunity to explore the interesting smells and sights in your neighborhood, while also providing much-needed exercise. Not sure your dog really needs walks? Consider these four important benefits:

Walks Help Your Pet Expend Excess Energy

After a long day stuck inside, your pet may be more than a little rambunctious. Walks help your pet release that pent-up energy naturally and could even reduce destructive urges.

Is running your favorite form of exercise? If your dog is active and in good health, it may enjoy running with you. The American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests waiting until your dog is at least 1 1/2 years old before you bring it along on a run and recommends gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your runs. Long-distance running isn't a good idea for dogs with short noses, like bulldogs and pugs, according to the AKC.

Worried About Your Pet's Weight? Staying Fit Is Easier with Daily Walks

Obesity rates are rising in the US for both people and pets. In fact, 59% of dogs are overweight or obese, according to a survey from the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention. Walks help your pet maintain a healthy weight, keep muscles and bones strong, and offer heart and lung health benefits. Even older dogs can benefit from walks. In fact, walking can reduce joint stiffness in dogs with arthritis as long as you don't overdo it. Short walks are best if your dog is old or has health issues.

Daily Walks Offer Mental Stimulation

Walks are good for your dog's mental health. During walks, dogs explore the world around them by taking frequent breaks to investigate intriguing odors or watch a squirrel climb a tree. These mentally stimulating scents and sights help your dog stay alert and may even reduce anxiety and improve your pet's mood. In a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, dogs allowed to sniff their surroundings were more optimistic than dogs required to heel, or stay by a trainer or owner's side.


Walking Provides Socialization Opportunities

You're likely to meet a few people on your walks, some of whom may be walking their own dogs. Through these encounters, your pet learns how to respond confidently to new situations and interact with other dogs and people. When socialization starts at a young age, puppies are less likely to become fearful or aggressive as adults, according to Veterinary Medicine.

Tips for Walking Your Dog

Follow these suggestions for stress-free walking:

  • Do a Dry Run. Practice walking your dog on a leash or harness in your home or backyard before you hit the streets. Train your pet not to pull on the leash by coming to a halt as soon as you feel a tug. Resume walking when the pulling stops. If your dog jumps on people or is aggressive to people or other dogs, you may want to enroll your pet in a training class before attempting walks in public.
  • Update Your Pet's Shots. Unvaccinated pets can pick up germs and worms from other dogs or even from the feces they leave behind. Follow PetMD's advice and don't take a puppy for a walk until it's been fully vaccinated (usually about 18 weeks). Older dogs should have up-to-date vaccinations too if they'll be around other pets.
  • Start Slowly. Whether you're walking a puppy or an older dog, start with short walking sessions before gradually increasing the duration. Veterinarian Dr. Grant Little told Newsweek that 20 minutes of exercise at a time is ideal for small dogs, while large dogs can handle 30- to 60-minute walks.
  • Break It Up. Following the same path can become boring for people and pets. Vary your route, or stop by the trails at a local park.

Do you have a question about your dog's health or need to vaccinate your pet before starting daily walks? Give us a call, and we'll be happy to discuss your concern or schedule a visit with the veterinarian if necessary.

Sources:

American Kennel Club: How to Train Your Dog to Run with You: Tips for Running with Dogs, 4/1/2022

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-train-your-dog-to-run-with-you/

ScienceDirect: Applied Animal Behaviour Science: Let Me Sniff! Nosework Induces Positive Judgment Bias in Pet Dogs, 2/2019

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159118304325?via%3Dihub

Veterinary Medicine: Puppy Parties and Beyond: The Role of Early Age Socialization Practices on Adult Dog Behavior, 4/29/2015

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6067676/

Association of Pet Obesity Prevention: 2022 Surveys and Data

https://www.petobesityprevention.org/2022

Newsweek: How Long You Should Be Walking Your Dog Based on Their Breed, 6/5/2023

https://www.newsweek.com/how-long-walking-dog-based-breed-vets-1802937

The Animal Foundation: The Importance of Walking Your Dog, 9/25/2018

https://animalfoundation.com/whats-going-on/blog/importance-walking-your-dog

Location

Find us on the map

Monday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:45 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
    ~R.H
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Maggie over the years. Y'all are the best and Dr. Johnson, you are the best vet in the world! God bless you all.""
    ~ J.D.
  • ""Your care for my beloved Mattie these last 10n years made her life, and mine much better….God bless each of you for all you did for us and I'm sure for all your other two and four legged patients.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""Thank you for saving my life." ~T.C."
    ~T.C.
  • ""I can not express how grateful I am for you and your staff… I appreciate everything you did in Beckham's treatment. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful doctor on his side. Thank you for all you do for the benefit of all our beloved pets.""
    ~L.B.
  • ""Dr. Johnson - There are no words that can truly capture your kindness.""
    ~G.B.
  • ""Thank you for the great care you took of Taco and the rest of our family. He is doing great now! He is enjoying running and playing with all four legs again.""
    ~W.C
  • ""People who avail themselves of your services at the clinic certainly are blessed to have such a caring staff....bless you and your devoted staff.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
    ~T.F.
  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
    ~P.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
    ~C.W.
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Lola when she had her reaction, and your office was already closed. I know you took time away from yourself and your family and I really appreciate it.""
    ~R.M.
  • ""Thank you for giving me more time with my best friend. We are all so grateful.""
    ~A.M.
  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.