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September marks the campaign “Move More September” which aims to encourage you to “Move More” for the month of September and raise funds for cancer research as you go. In this article, we share how walking your dog can help you to move more and improve your overall health.
It is no secret that owning a dog is both fulfilling and worthwhile. Known as “man’s best friend” owning a dog can bring great companionship and enjoyment. In addition to the emotional benefits that a dog can bring, owning one can also help you to improve your health and exercise routine. Walking your dog can offer a range of health benefits for both the owner and the pet. We share a selection of ways in which walking your dog can improve your overall physical and mental health.
Cardiovascular Fitness
Regular walking can help improve heart health, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and manage high blood pressure. Whether you live in a city or in the countryside, taking your dog for long, regular walks is a great way to improve your cardio! Canicross is a new trend that sees the runner wearing a waist belt and the dog a specifically designed harness. The two are joined by a bungee cord or elastic line that reduces shock to both human and dog when the dog pulls – a great and more higher tempo exercise!
Weight Management
Engaging in regular physical activity, like walking, helps burn calories and can contribute to weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight. Combined with a healthy and balanced diet, walking your dog can be a great solution for those looking to lose weight.
Mental Well-being
Walking outdoors and interacting with a pet can boost mood, reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and promote mental clarity. The companionship of a dog can also combat feelings of loneliness. Many dog owners report of greater happiness through walking their dog and enjoying the outdoors.
Social Interaction
Walking your dog can be a social activity, as you might meet and interact with other dog owners. This can help improve social well-being and provide opportunities for social support. For those looking to meet like-minded dog owners, the website Dogvine has a useful guide for meet ups in London by breed and size allowing you to share your walks with others https://thedogvine.com/the-london-dog-meetups-guide-for-you-and-your-dog/.
Routine & Discipline
Having a dog requires a level of commitment to their exercise needs. This routine can help owners maintain a consistent exercise schedule, which can be beneficial for overall health. Not only does having a routine help you and your dog to get into a pattern but recent research has shown that an effective routine can help reduce stress, which can lead to better mental health, more time to relax and less anxiety.
Fresh Air & Vitamin D
Spending time outdoors exposes you to natural sunlight, which is a source of Vitamin D. This vitamin is vital for bone health, immune system function, and mood regulation. The health benefits of fresh air are plentiful. The sun’s shining today and with early morning sunrises and late evening sunsets, there’s no better time than the summer to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. Every cell in your body and therefore every function in your body relies upon a constant, fresh stream of oxygen. If you stay indoors or in an air conditioned environment for long periods of time, the same air can be breathed in again and again, causing the air to become stuffy and stale. Simply stepping outdoors and breathing in some fresh air can have a huge amount of health benefits…
Of course, regular walkies are not just of benefit to the owner. For the dog, regular walks can also help with weight management, joint health, digestive health, and provide an essential outlet for their energy and natural instincts. What’s more, by meeting other dog owners and spending time around other dogs, your pet can enjoy making new friends and playing.
Remember, the benefits you reap will be proportional to the intensity and duration of the walks. A brisk walk will generally be more beneficial than a slow amble. But any movement is better than none, so even a leisurely stroll with your dog can be a step in the right direction for better health. We hope you feel inspired to give your dog wonderful walks this September and enjoy the time outdoors with your beloved pooch.
