Are you walking your dog (or cat!) enough?

Did you know that between 30-60% of pet parents don’t walk their dogs and hardly any cat parents walk their cats? But both species can really benefit from daily walks. As it turns out, walking and staying active can help prevent disease, extend longevity and improve the quality of life for your pet — just like with humans. Here’s why adding daily walks to your routine is a win for you and your pet.

1. Walking helps maintain physical health

Although walking alone may not satisfy all of a pet’s physical needs, it helps them maintain a healthy weight and prevents obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for pet health issues like diabetes and arthritis. When you walk your pet, they are working their muscles and bones, activating digestion and exercising their cardiovascular system. This can be particularly important for aging dogs and cats who may otherwise spend a majority of their days being sedentary.

2. Walking is good mental stimulation for pets

Pets experience the world through their senses. A walk provides pets an opportunity to explore the world through their senses and express their natural behaviors like sniffing and marking, which improves their quality of life. There are benefits for pet parents, too — when pets get this type of mental stimulation, it can reduce destructive behaviors and excessive barking/meowing. The structure of a daily walking schedule can also build confidence and lessen anxiety. 

3. Walking strengthens the human–animal bond

Consistent 1-on-1 time with your pet builds trust, fosters communication and provides opportunities for positive reinforcement of good behavior. For cats, walks also build confidence with leaving the house, which can reduce stress during car rides and vet visits.

How to start a walking routine with your dog or cat

While dogs are natural walking companions, it may seem intimidating to get started with your cat, but many enjoy it! With patience and training, both species can safely explore the outdoors. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Talk to your veterinarian about an exercise plan that includes different types of activity with a frequency and duration best suited for your pet.
2. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention before embarking on a more outdoor lifestyle.
3. In general for healthy pets, you can start slowly with a 5-minute walk a few times a day and increase gradually to help avoid injuries. 
4. For cats that have less outdoor experience, you may need to go at a slower pace. Stick to quiet neighborhoods, backyards/gardens and areas with minimal foot traffic.
5. If you hit a roadblock because of your pet’s behavior, talk to your vet, vet behaviorist or a reputable trainer for help.

It’s never too late to add a daily walking routine for your pet. After all, it’s self-care disguised as pet care, right? Whether you share your home with a playful pup or an adventurous cat, walking your pet is one of the simplest and most rewarding habits you can build. It supports their physical health, sharpens their mind, strengthens your bond and improves your own well-being.

So grab a leash and harness, step outside, and start exploring together — you may be surprised at how quickly a daily walking routine becomes a ritual that you both look forward to.