A few years ago, I was walking with my dog, Roxy Fischer, when I had a powerful aha moment! The words Dog as My Doctor came to mind. When I got home, I lay down for a nap, an invitation which my two cats, Jester and Cody Fischer, used to pounce on my back. Cat as My Nurse, whispered my mind as my cats settled into their respective spots along my spine. These moments gave birth the title of my book about how our animal friends can powerfully benefit our health and wellness – Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse.
That day with Roxy helped me realize how walking can create new ideas and generate sparks of creativity. Walking also houses a plethora of health benefits. And, if you have a dog, you have a powerful wellness ally in your very own home. What better time than January, which is Walk Your Dog Month, to commit to your best health and that of your canine friends!
7 PAWSITIVE BENEFITS OF WALKING WITH YOUR DOG
- Bring on the Happy Juice: Did you know that walking in nature is a powerful mood booster? Spending twenty minutes outdoors or more can decrease stress and is good for our cognition. Dogs live in the present moment; something we humans tend to forget when we worry about future events that haven’t yet occurred. Walking with a dog and watching them explore their environments with wonder and excitement can be a great reminder to leave our concerns behind, at least for a little while.
- No Fido, No Fitness: According to the National Institute of Health, Dog guardians log in about 200 more minutes of walking per week than non-dog people. If you’re aiming for some weight loss, better sleep, and gentle exercise to benefit your bone health, consider getting out more with your furry wellness buddy.
- Whole-Hearted Living: Walking can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. And when you’re feeling low, a dog’s affection can sometimes be a great comfort for a wounded heart. So, if you’re looking for whole-hearted health, both physical and emotional, look to your dog doctor to show you the way.
- Need Some D? According to researcher Dr. Michael Holick, as many as 75 percent of Americans are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, due in large part to their failure to get enough sunshine. Optimizing your vitamin D levels aids in your body’s ability to fight infection and helps with cancer prevention.
- Build Your “Ships”: Scientific American reports that the healing benefits of animals take place when they and their person are emotionally connected—which makes it extra important to strengthen your connection with your animal friends by nurturing your “ships”– your relationship, your friendship, and your guardianship. Walking with your canine friend can create a stronger bond between you and strengthen your partnership too.
- Meet & Greet: Did you know socializing can add to our longevity? Here again, dog lovers benefit because they often strike up conversations and make friends with other dog lovers. Want to live long and prosper? Then grab your leash and your canine buddy and get ready to make new friends.
- Scents & Sensibility: Humans usually walk to get exercise. Dogs go for the experience of walking. For our canine friends, walking is a powerful sensory adventure. Through their senses, dogs see a world that we humans often take for granted. Take a cue from your furry friend—tune into your senses and savor the present moment.
If your dog is having some behavioral issues, if they seem bored, or if you are wondering how you can bond deeper with them, take advantage of the New Year and Walk Your Dog Month as motivation to get outside more with your furry BFF. It’ll be great exercise and mental stimulation for you, for them, and you’ll make me very happy too!
Stay pawsitive and stay healthy,
Carlyn MDO 💜
PS: Do you walk with your dog? Do you find that it helps you in some way? If so, please share your pawsitive experience in the comment box below. Let’s inspire each other to embrace a healthier and happier lifestyle with our animal friends! 🐾
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