Health benefits of walking your dog for half an hour

Besides the fact that a dog can become a very sweet friend, a loyal four-legged friend also has health benefits. Walking the dog for half an hour every day is very healthy!

Walking keeps your dog healthy

That a dog should be walked at least three times a day is not news. It’s not healthy for her if she has to hold back her needs. Walking daily prevents constipation, keeps the urinary tract healthy and aids digestion. Furthermore, the daily walk strengthens the muscles and bones, increases flexibility and reduces the risk of obesity in a dog.

Depending on the breed and age, a dog will soon need 30 minutes to two hours of exercise per day. It is of course best to have a shorter round in between. Furthermore, walking is a great activity, which not only stimulates a dog physically, but also mentally.

A dog’s brain is stimulated by following a scent, completing a challenging course or playing with other dogs. Anyone who takes the leash or says the word “walk” can therefore count on a happy, wagging dog in most cases.

Walking also keeps the owner healthy

Sniff around, explore the world and possibly play (with a ball or stick). You do a dog a great favor with a walk, but not only does the dog benefit from walking, the owner or the person who walks the dog also benefits from it. Do you walk for a long day and do you even suffer from muscle pain? Magnesium can help. An overview of the best magnesium tablets can be found here.

Walking reduces stress

Dogs that can’t expend their energy become bored, experience stress and develop destructive tendencies. Through the daily walk you offer a dog adventure and distraction. The dog can release pent-up emotions and excess energy.

The fresh air, a change of scenery and physical activity will also reduce any stress level the owner may have. Just being around a dog reduces the amount of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body.

Walking is good for the joints of dog and owner

A dog that spends a lot of time at home in the basket and has (too) little exercise will suffer from stiff joints and will lose muscle mass. Just like in humans, the cartilage is built up and maintained by walking. This makes moving smoother. Walking strengthens the (leg) muscles.

Walking is good for the heart and blood vessels

Walking daily lowers both blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. The ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen is increased by walking a lot. The condition of the heart and blood vessels will improve. In addition, daily walks reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 60%.

Burn calories together while walking

The daily walks keep a dog well or at least better on weight. Those who walk about eight kilometers, about 10,000 steps, per day burn an average of 400 to 500 calories per day. For those who would like to lose weight, walking is a very effective method, with little chance of staying in bed in the morning. Who has a dog must walk.

Socialization and social contacts

Not only can a dog make new “friends” while walking. With a daily walk, a dog gets the chance to improve its social skills. As a dog owner, you naturally come into contact with other dog owners. Many people walk their dogs at the same time, which increases the chance of a larger social network.

sleep better

Especially after dinner, a walk with a dog will do you good. Not only does the walk have a good effect on the digestive system, but a walk can also contribute to a good night’s sleep. Studies have shown that walking can lead to both better sleep and easier falling asleep.