| Everyone knows that dogs love to go for a walk, | | | | down, so he can stay healthy. |
| but did you know your dog receives 7 important | | | | Once you establish a regular walking program, |
| health benefits every time you snap on the leash? | | | | your dog may experience some or all the |
| These important health benefits make it worth | | | | following benefits: |
| your time to leash train your dog. | | | | 1. A regular walking program will help your |
| Since many of our dogs are just as overweight | | | | overweight dog lose the extra pounds, which will |
| and out of shape as their owners, taking your | | | | help him feel more energetic and enthusiastic |
| dog for a walk will give him all the same fitness | | | | about life. |
| benefits that people get from a walking program. | | | | 2. The weight loss could help him live longer, and |
| The fact that you care enough about your dog to | | | | the regular, gentle exercise could help reduce any |
| want him to keep him healthy will keep you on | | | | pain he now feels from arthritis, hip displasia, or |
| your own exercise program, too. | | | | simple inactivity. (Remember, if your dog has any |
| In addition to the fitness benefits, walking can also | | | | problems with his joints, or any illnesses that |
| improve moods, for both people and dogs. | | | | affect his breathing or movement, talk to his vet |
| Walking causes your brain to produce more | | | | before beginning any exercise program.) |
| serotonin, a mood enhancing chemical. Walking also | | | | 3. The increased fitness could reduce the chance |
| causes your brain to produce less cortisol, a | | | | that he will get one of the chronic diseases |
| stress hormone. When the brain chemicals are | | | | associated with excess weight, such as heart |
| re-balanced this way, both you and your dog be | | | | disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. |
| calmer and less anxious and less stressed out. | | | | 4. Your dog will look up to you as the real leader |
| In other words, walking regularly will make both | | | | of the household, and the two of you will form a |
| you and your dog happier, healthier, and perhaps | | | | strong, natural bond. |
| even more enjoyable to be around. | | | | 5. Some disciplinary problems may go away on |
| Since a dog's normal lifespan is so much shorter | | | | their own when your dog starts getting the |
| than ours, the effect of a sedentary lifestyle and | | | | exercise he really needs and when he can use his |
| too much food has an even more devastating | | | | brain and creative intelligence while discovering the |
| effect on dogs than on people. The stress of | | | | world outside. |
| excess weight and too much fat can cut a dog's | | | | 6. He'll probably feel calmer, more content, and |
| life short by as much as two years, according to | | | | more playful because he feels better, and |
| Marty Becker, DVM, the author of The Healing | | | | because his internal chemistry has adjusted to |
| Power of Pets. Walking daily will prevent many of | | | | more normal levels. |
| the more common health problem in dogs. | | | | 7. He'll sleep better, and snore less. This may not |
| Regular exercise, including a daily walk, will tone | | | | seem like a big deal unless you've become |
| your dog's muscles, improve his digestion, and | | | | accustomed to waking up many times in the night |
| make him feel happily tired. It may also boost his | | | | because your dog just can't get comfortable. |
| immune system. And it could even prolong his life, | | | | Overweight dogs (like overweight people) tend to |
| because excess weight leads to chronic illnesses in | | | | snore. |
| dogs, such as heart disease and diabetes. Getting | | | | So get out and walk every day with your dog. It |
| regular exercise helps your dog keep his weight | | | | will make both of you happier, and healthier. |