Walks - A Simple Cure For a Sad Dog

Walks can be an exciting time for pets and for owners! When else do you get the opportunity to build silly memories as you watch your pet interact with the world around them? Whether it’s chasing that ever-illusive butterfly or getting a pet rub from their favorite neighbor, it’s memories both owner and pupper will remember.

What you might not know, though, is walks can be an incredible cure for a dog who is sad or might even be depressed.

Owners know their pets. While we can’t ever confirm a dog’s depression by merely asking what’s wrong, an observant owner can tell when something is up. Sure, every dog has their off days, but what happens when those days compound together and start to show a trend? Your dog may be suffering from doggie depression.

Today we’re going to look at the simplest cure for a serious condition - taking your dog for regular walks.

Prevention - Why You Should Never Skip Walking Your Dog

Spend enough time around any doctor or vet, and you’ll hear them say prevention is the best cure for anything. The same holds true for doggie depression. According to PetMD, the two biggest potential causes of doggie depression are lack of attention and lack of exercise. Your dog can start to feel unimportant without quality time, and they can get lethargic without proper exercise.

What’s the single fastest way to address both of these issues? Take your dog for regular walks! Your dog will enjoy the companionship time as well as the exercise. The experts over at The Doginton Post say you should walk your dog at least 15 minutes twice a day. Different breeds will require higher or lower levels, but this is a good starting point.

Walking Your Dog to Cure Existing Depression - Creating a Routine

Animals crave routine. The repetition of life might bore us, but to our furry friends, it’s the key to happiness. It gives them structure, something to look forward to, and lets them know we love them. One of the easiest routines you can start immediately is regular walks.

Demonstrate to your dog they’re important enough for you to remember on a daily basis. It might not seem like much to you, but to them, it will make a world of difference. Results usually aren’t immediate, but continuing to stick to the routine  start to break the hold depression has on them.

Practical Tips to Get Started Right Now

If your pooch is emotionally under the weather or you want to make sure it never happens, here are some quick tips to help get you started.

• Start with two,15-minute walks daily. Only increase quantity and duration if you can sustain the routine.
• Try and schedule the walks at the same times every single day.
• Choose a walking route and stick to it. We’re looking to build routine and familiarity.
• Ensure there are no additional stressors on the walking path. These stressors could be other dogs, busy roads, or anything that overly stimulates your dog.
• Be aware of your energy before, during, and after the walk. If you make it seem like a chore, your dog is not going to feel special. Enthusiasm and love are essential.

Dog depression is real and can have a lasting detrimental effect on the emotional well-being of our furry friends. By incorporating walks into your daily routine, you can help your dog to know they’re loved and escape their depressed state or never end up there.