Get Healthier in 2025: Walk and Exercise with Your Dog

Starting the New Year with a healthy resolution can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you include your beloved dog in the plan. Committing to regular exercise with your canine companion not only improves your own well-being but also enhances your dog's health and happiness.

Excess indulgence over the Christmas period is common for many of us. Setting a shared goal to be more active helps shed those extra pounds while invigorating both body and mind. Your dog will be delighted with an increase in walks, which is a fantastic form of physical and mental enrichment for them. For high-energy dogs, additional exercise can lead to better behaviour, as a tired dog is often a happier, more settled one.

1. Establishing a Healthier Exercise Routine with Your Dog

Walking your dog regularly provides essential cardiovascular exercise that benefits both parties. Research shows brisk walking can lower "bad" cholesterol, raise "good" cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve immune function. For your dog, consistent walks help maintain a healthy weight, support strong muscles and joints, and reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions like osteoarthritis.

Start gently, especially if either you or your dog is new to regular exercise or is older. Begin with brisk walks lasting 10 to 15 minutes twice daily. It's easier to stick to shorter, purposeful bouts of activity within a busy schedule. Gradually increase the duration once fitness improves, aiming for up to 20 minutes or more based on your dog's energy level and breed needs.

2. Nutrition Matters: Balanced Diets for You and Your Dog

Complement exercise with a nutritious diet for both you and your dog. Avoid junk food and overfeeding, common pitfalls after holiday celebrations. For your dog, feeding high-quality, balanced food tailored to their age, size, and health needs supports their energy for exercise and overall wellbeing.

Remember, even the best diet cannot compensate for insufficient exercise. Dogs burn fewer calories while resting, so coupling good nutrition with daily walks is key to healthy weight management. Consider consulting your vet for personalised feeding advice or if your dog has special dietary requirements.

3. Mental and Behavioural Benefits of Regular Walks

Walking your dog is about more than physical health—it also offers significant mental stimulation. Dogs take in countless scents, sights, and sounds during their outings, which keeps their minds sharp and engaged. For anxious or destructive dogs, increased daily activity can reduce undesired behaviours by draining excess energy and building confidence.

Your walks also provide precious bonding time—strengthening your relationship. Meeting other dog owners during walks can enhance your social network, improving emotional wellbeing for both owner and pet.

4. Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated

It's easy to succumb to the temptation of relaxing on the sofa after a long day or during poor weather. However, perseverance in maintaining a brisk walk routine can pay dividends. If outdoor walks are difficult due to weather, try indoor interactive games or gentle exercises to keep your dog active.

Setting small, achievable goals and mixing up routes can keep things interesting for you and your dog. Remember that positive reinforcement through treats and praise encourages your dog to enjoy and look forward to exercise time.

5. Supporting Responsible Dog Ownership and Wellbeing

Choosing to improve your lifestyle alongside your dog reinforces responsible pet ownership. Provide regular vet check-ups to ensure your dog is fit for their exercise routine, and never push an older or medically compromised dog beyond their limits without professional advice.

When adding a new dog to your life, it is essential to find one through reputable breeders or consider adoption from rescue centres to support ethical breeding and rehoming practices. This ensures you start your healthy routine with a dog that will thrive with proper care and exercise.

Conclusion

Making a New Year’s resolution to walk and exercise regularly with your dog in 2025 offers a holistic boost not only to your physical health but also your mental wellbeing and that of your canine companion. Just an extra 15 minutes twice daily can improve cardiovascular health, aid weight management, increase socialization, and strengthen the bond you share. Embrace this shared journey to a healthier, happier lifestyle and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.