Walking your dog is a great form of exercise for both owner and pet. It has physical and mental benefits that can help to prevent health conditions. Every dog has different walking requirements based on their age, health and breed. Most dogs need one or more walks a day for at least half an hour.

The Benefits of Dog Walking

Regular walking helps to keep muscles active, preventing them from weakening and leading to mobility issues. It also helps to regulate the digestive tract and can prevent constipation. It’s the best way to maintain a healthy weight, alongside the right diet.

It provides mental stimulation, prevents boredom and destructive behaviour, and enables your dog to use their natural hunting and tracking instincts. Plus, burning off energy will help your dog to sleep well at night.

Regular exercise helps to prevent common health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and some types of cancer. And the best part is that all of these benefits apply to dog owners too!

Where Are the Best Places to Walk Dogs?

The best dog walks allow some time off the lead so that your dog has chance to run around and burn lots of energy.

 

Countryside Dog Walks

Large, enclosed fields offer plenty of space to play fetch and are often popular walking spots, so your dog will have the chance to meet doggy friends.

Wooded areas provide lots of wildlife scents that will ignite your dog’s natural hunting and tracking instincts. But make sure your dog’s tick, worm and flea preventative treatments are up to date to protect them from parasites.

Also keep an eye out for any poisonous plants that your dog may eat, like:

• Daffodils.
• Holly.
• Honeysuckle.
• Ivy.

City Dog Walks

Street walking provides lots of stimulation and socialising for your dog as you’re likely to come across other dogs and dog owners. It also gets them used everyday scents, sights and sounds like passing cars.

Make sure your dog is always on lead and kept close to you when walking near a road. Walking on the pavement will also help to naturally wear down your dog’s nails.

Beach Walks with Dogs

If you live near the coast or are travelling with your dog to one of the top pet friendly holiday spots in the UK, the beach is another great spot for walking your dog. 

The sea provides a chance for your dog to cool off, and swimming is great exercise. But be aware of the rules and restrictions that may be in place, particularly during the summer months.

What Dog Walking Gear Should I Get?

One of the many pros to dog walking is that you don’t need much gear to do it. Here’s a list of items that you could take:

• Dog collar and lead – you can also use a harness for better control.
• Dog walking boots – footwear with good grip and foot support to help prevent accidents and injuries.
• Dog poo bags – always pick up your dog’s poop. Nobody wants to stand in that stuff, and you can be fined if you don’t pick it up.
• Dog walking accessories – when walking in dark or misty/foggy conditions, make sure you have lights and reflective items on both yourself, and your dog.
• Treats – pack some treats in your dog walking bag for lead walking or recall training.
• Water bottle – make sure you and your dog stay hydrated. You can get collapsible water bowls for your dog or simply pour some water into your hands for them to lap up.
• And for you... waterproof trousers and coat – walking can be done in all weather conditions, so you’ll want to be prepared for those wetter seasons. You can get dog walking coats for your pet too, which will prevent some parts of their body from getting wet, dirty and cold.

Your Responsibilities When Dog Walking

All owners are responsible for their pet when out on dog walks. This includes cleaning up after your dog if they toilet. It's a good idea to take your dog to socialisation classes so they don’t feel threatened and become aggressive when meeting new dogs.

Walking Your Dog Around Other Dogs

Beware that other dogs may not be friendly, so make sure you’re able to control your own dog to help prevent fights and injuries. If a dog has a muzzle on or is on a lead, be respectful and keep your dog away from them.

If you have an unneutered female dog, it’s best to walk her on a lead in a less public place or keep her at home while she’s in season. This will help prevent an unwanted pregnancy. If you don’t intend to breed your dog, make sure they’re neutered before you let them off the lead around other dogs.

When is the Best Time to Walk Your Dog?

Be conscious of where and when you’re walking. Keep your dog on a lead in areas where there’s livestock or nesting wildlife, so they aren’t disturbed or harmed. Be considerate of people in their homes, so if your dog is a barker, it’s best not to walk them early in the morning or late at night.

For your own safety, stay in brightly lit areas when walking on your own and make sure you and your dog have lights and reflective gear on when walking at dimly lit times.

Dog walking can help prevent health problems by maintaining a healthy body and mind. You don’t need to take much with you and there are many different dog walking spots to explore. It’s also a great way to meet new friends. Just make sure you always have control of your dog, that you pick up their poop, and that you’re being considerate of other people and animals.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis – www.vetlexicon.com/canis

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