There are two types of people when it comes to the cooler, shorter fall days: the kind that hunkers down inside, trying to keep warm, and the kind that embraces the cooler weather outside. Let your dog (or cat) remind you of the benefits of getting outside for walks - both for their benefit and for yours!

Dog: Walking is the best part of my day! All the new smells, new people and animals to meet! Adventure awaits around every corner!

Cat: You think dragging your person around is adventure - hah! It's fitness class disguised as chaos. I'm perfectly fine with the birds and squirrels in my "window TV."

Dog: But don't you want to help your human? Walks given them exercise, fresh air, and can break them free from those screen things.

Cat: Well, they are more relaxed after; I guess that's a plus.

Physical Health Benefits

Dog: I help my human feel better with my fire hydrant hunt. Walking improves heart health, lowers blood pressure, improves their mood, and can even help maintain a healthy weight.

Cat: And when they're walking me, it can be a bit more like interval training: slow crawl, followed by a spring, and then freeze.

Mental Health Benefits

Dog: Did you know that walking me will reduce stress and fight depression? It helps humans think more like me: live for the moment, not the future.

Cat: Mental health - I've got you beat! My human laughs at my antics outside, when I stalk leaves and bugs like a petite panther. Laughter is the best medicine after all.

Social Connection

Dog: Another win for walking: instant social life. Neighbors stop to pet me and chat, strangers smile at me and my person. Instant ice breaker!

Cat: Well, I strike up more conversations than you! A cat on a leash? I am an instant celebrity - as is my human, by association.

Dog: I agree you're memorable (in more ways than one). But me? Everyone wants to pet me - I'm a friend magnet.

Pet Mental Health Benefits

Dog: I need walks for more than just bladder relief. Regular walking burns my excess energy, reduces my anxiety, and makes me too tired to feel like chewing the table legs or keeping my human up at night.

Cats: Walking expands my territory and allows me to satisfy my need to hunt safely without the danger of being left to fend for myself. Less boredom means less aggression and fewer bladder issues.

Strengthening the Bond

Dog: I've saved the best for last. Walking me is bonding time - walking together, taking in the world together. Sometimes my human even talks to me about their day. I'm a great therapist!

Cat: Agreed. Although I act like a fearless warrior stalking the grasshopper, knowing my human will help me out of a sticky situation (i.e., those stupid sticky burs) gives me even more confidence to be curious.

The Final Paw

Walking improves physical and mental health for humans and pets. Get out today and walk your pet, but don't expect your cat to listen to you! Just use patience and go along with them for a good time.

LifeLearn News

Note: This article, written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian.