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