Grab that leash; it’s National Walk Your Dog Week! Thankfully here in San Diego, it is actually cooling off this week, and it's the best time to get outside (but not for long), UGH! But while it is, let’s GO!
A whopping 60% of pets in the United States are overweight, and this number is on the rise, causing many health issues for your pet. Sadly, this can cause many of our friends' early trips to the Rainbow Bridge. Yeah, double UGH. So like I said before, grab that leash!
One thing about this time during COVID19 is a lot more of us are trying to find safe ways to get out of isolation and out of the house. While the weather permits, taking your dog for a walk is the perfect way to do just that.
Traci’s Paws’ pet blog “The Paws Spot” has some PAWSOME reasons why you should take Fido out on a walk this week:
Leash work. If you have a pup that you want to teach to walk on a leash or an adamant dog not to walk while on leash, this is the perfect opportunity. This is a great time to train him on the leash and also other basic commands. Be sure to bring the treats!
Exercise. If you or your pet are not conditioned to walk very far, do not push either of you. Like you can overdo it, your pup can too. Start with a short trek, then step it up every few days. This will be a great way to build up to a walk that will get you and your pup on your way to slimming down. Don't forget your H2O!
Energy. This is great for both ends of the spectrum. Are you or fido lacking energy? Well, a little blood flow from your walk will be a nice boost to get you going. How about too much energy? Is fido being a little rambunctious at home? Well, walking will help him expend that energy and should chill out his inner “bull in a china shop” antics, including deterring him from chewing up a few things inside the apartment that he’s NOT supposed to be chewing up!
Mental Health. Another reason why walking is good is for your mental health. When you are out in the fresh air, and your blood is flowing, you release endorphins that make you feel good. You may also run across a few people along the way, which will be a great way to be more social, and for many people, it is also a boost in the “feel good” department. If you meet other doggies during the walk, this is a great way to introduce your dog and teach him socialization skills that are also very important for your doggy, especially during a quarantine. Just don’t forget to stay 6 feet apart and slip those masks on your faces just in case!
Bonding. And Traci’s Paws’ #1 fave is bonding. To us, the best part of walking with your best friend is that it will give you so much more time to bond. The relationships we have with our furry BFFs are extraordinary, and they love to be with us.
This will be such a great time to bond and spend some quality time with your furry BFF!