Walking your dog isn’t just about taking them around the block to do their “business”. It’s a simple activity that has SO many other benefits for your dog’s overall health, including their mental health.
Regular exercise is a great way to burn calories to keep excess pounds off and not just for your dog, but for us humans too! Walking keeps those joints mobile and can regulate the digestive tract making the routine of a walk a great way to keep your dog on “poop schedule”.
Walking your dog is also a GREAT way to keep them mentally stimulated. Dogs don’t like to be bored so if you give them something constructive to do, they may be less likely to do something destructive, like chewing the furniture! Allowing your dog to sniff also helps them to explore and make sense of their environment and keeps them mentally stimulated.
You are also the centre of your dog’s universe and they CRAVE your attention so what better way to spend quality time with your dog than by taking a walk together. Spending one to one time with your dog will deepen your bond and help to deter any unwanted attention-seeking behaviours.
Stuck for some ideas on how to keep your dog entertained in the home? Why not download these useful ideas and share your own game ideas with other owners!
Although cats bond with their environment rather than their human, there are ways in which you can entertain and keep you cat active and mentally stimulated too. Download some ideas at the link below.
We’d LOVE to see pictures of the activities you come up with. Just tag us #rowanvets
