We all know that regular, moderate exercise is good for the body and heart. But taking your dog along on a daily walk has so many more health benefits for both you and your furry friend, so we wanted to take this opportunity to share some of them.

First, regular walks will help maintain your dog’s weight. Much like us, dogs suffer a variety of adverse health effects from being overweight or obese, so maintaining a healthy weight is vital to your dog’s overall health.

Taking regular walks also helps to limit problem behavior in dogs. When your dog gets plenty of exercise, he or she is less likely to dig, scratch or chew on items around the house. A pooped pup is also less likely to be hyperactive and unruly, since it has already expended much of its pent-up energy in a healthy way.

Taking your dog for regular walks also helps you and your canine companion bond. Dogs experience the world largely by scents, so getting out to “smell the roses” – or more likely, the mailboxes and fire hydrants – allows your dog to interact with the world around it. For fearful or timid dogs, spending time with you outside helps them learn to cope with ambient noise and builds confidence and trust. Encountering other people or dogs while on a walk also helps socialize your dog and promotes healthy behavior when meeting a new person or dog.

One of the biggest benefits of going for regular walks is that is promotes a healthy digestive system in dogs – and keeps them from relieving themselves in unwanted areas. Regular walks have been shown to decrease constipation and other digestive issues that your dog might otherwise face.

Lastly, walking your dog is good for you. We humans enjoy many of the same benefits from daily walks with our dog: a stronger bond with our happy hound, improved mental health, maintaining a healthy weight and being social with neighbors and friends. So grab a leash and take your pooch pal out for a long walk – it’s good for both of you!