New Year, New You resolutions typically include fitness goals, Celebrating Walk Your Dog Month is a perfect time to blend exercise with bonding time for you and your pup.
Get up off that sofa, get moving, and don’t let those “Florida cold fronts” keep you inside! Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need plenty of exercise throughout the year and the best way to keep them active is to take them for regular walks. Even a short walk around the block makes a big difference.
Cavalier Rescue of Florida recommends regular walks and exercise to help control your pup’s weight and limit the chances of them becoming overweight. The main remedy for overweight pups in our foster care is walking and moderate food… and no treats. Slow and steady wins the race.
The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention released a clinical study in 2017, stating that 56% of dogs in the U.S. are obese. That equates to over 50 million dogs across the country. A statement declared that “Clinical obesity results in more secondary conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and certain forms of cancer. Pups with obesity also have reduced quality of life and shorter life expectancy.”
Luckily for us, Florida is green all year long and being out in nature for pups and humans has many benefits, including improved attention, lower stress and better mood. Humans have 5-6 million scent receptors in our noses, but dogs have up to 300 million. In fact, a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 times greater than a human! So, allow plenty of time to “stop and smell the flowers” during your walk.
Benefits of walking:
Physical Wellness Regular walks are a great way for both you and your Blenheim, Ruby, Tri-Color or Black and Tan to stay in shape and help with overall health. Healthier Cavies mean fewer trips to the “dogtor”! Walking helps maintain a healthy weight, get better sleep, keep joints healthy, and can even help regulate the digestive system.
Mindful Health Walks provide the mental stimulation your dog needs and not only exercise the body, but exercise the mind too! Your Cavie will be wagging their tail over all the exciting things they see during their walks—from lizards, squirrels, other dogs, sniffing everything their hearts desire, and, of course, all the people who will pass them by while telling them how cute they are.
Builds Trust & Confidence Establishing a regular walking routine will help build your rescue Cavie’s trust. Knowing they have their daily walk with you is reassuring and exciting for them. As you and your dog explore and experience different situations during your walk, your pup will gain confidence knowing that you are by their side for support and enduring love.
Reduces Bad Behavior We know Cavaliers are more cuddle bugs and snuggling snoozers without the tendency towards destructive behavior, but when not stimulated enough, or still settling into their furever families, dogs, including puppies and seniors, are more likely to chew on items that are not toys or bark more. Walks are a healthy way to help them release any excess energy. Then back to snoring and snoozing…
Mingling and “Meet-Cute!” It’s likely that you’ll run into other dog owners and dog lovers on your walks. This is a wonderful opportunity to socialize your dog and have them safely meet other people and pups.
Grab the leash and go for a walk!