This week my family and I were pleasantly surprised to see a dramatic decrease in temperature. The temperature dropped from a high of 100 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 78. Many members of my family were relieved that the stifling heat had subsided, but none were more thrilled than our four-legged companions. The transition to cooler weather means one major thing in my family: dog walks!

Walking your dog has a tremendous number of benefits. This encouraged activity promotes physical and mental wellness for your dog. Taking your dog for walks is good for their joints and muscle retention, in addition to helping them maintain a healthy weight. When both of my dogs started experiencing joint problems, walking was one of their vets’ first suggestions. Walking also helps dogs maintain a healthy mentality (Epping). When I take my dogs for walks, I notice a significant decrease in naughty and destructive behaviors, especially in my younger dog. These benefits extend to you as well. Walking is an excellent type of physical activity, and owning a dog can be a powerful motivator to maintain healthy walking habits. Walking also helps to strengthen your bond with your pet.

I understand that dog walking isn’t always accessible. As a long-time resident of Arizona, I avoid taking my dogs for a walk during the height of the summer heat. Dogs have a harder time regulating body temperature than humans do, therefore it is crucial that you don’t let your pet overheat. I try to take advantage of cooler temperatures. Dog walking is unfortunately not a year-round endeavor for my family. Sometimes the sidewalks are still too hot during summer evenings and I laugh at the prospect of trying to put dog shoes on either of my dogs. Like myself, many people try to take their dogs for walks, but there are almost just as many people that don’t. Jacqueline N. Epping from Current Sports Medicine Reports explains that “as many as 50% of dog owners do not walk their dogs” (Epping). If you can physically walk your dog and the weather permits it, I urge you to try taking them on walks. You will get some content critters at the end.

Resources

Epping, Jacqueline N. “Dog Ownership and Dog Walking to Promote Physical Activity and Health in Patients.” Current Sports Medicine Reports, vol. 10, no. 4, July 2011, pp. 224–27, https://doi.org/10.1249/jsr.0b013e318223ee41.