Have you ever looked back at your beloved pet as you walked out the door to find them staring back with wide eyes, hoping you don’t go? When their owners leave for the day, dogs are often left with minimal stimulation, which can cause problems over time.
What can you do? You cannot simply choose not to go to work, and most people don’t have time to stop by during lunch. In these situations, a midday dog walker is the perfect choice.
A dog walker can come by in the middle of the day to let your pet out for some fresh air. This stroll through the neighborhood is about more than just going potty (though that doesn’t hurt). There are substantive benefits that might convince you to invest in a midday walker.
It Burns Energy
Like humans, dogs need to keep moving to burn energy and, by extension, calories. A midday walk can help your pup burn off some steam and maintain a healthy weight. This healthful habit can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and weak bones. You’ll find your dog less stressed and more refreshed every time you come home.
It Keeps Your Dog Emotionally and Mentally Well
Physical wellness is not the only reason to hire a midday dog walker for your pet. Imagine how you would feel if you were left in one place for eight hours (or more) with nothing to do. A toy might get your pet through an hour or two at most, but then they are left with nothing else but pacing through the house or staring through the sides of their crates.
Over time, this isolation can lead to emotional dysregulation, depression, and even anxiety. Midday walks can break up this monotony and reduce unwanted behaviors, such as chewing, shredding, or compulsively licking themselves. A brief stint of exercise is a great outlet!
It Decreases Certain Health Risks
Yes, your pup can probably hold it long enough for you to get home for a potty break. However, forcing your dog to wait for eight or more hours comes with some health risks. Holding in urine for that long can predispose a dog to urinary tract infections, bladder infections, and kidney stones.
It is better for your pet’s health to relieve themselves more often, expelling all the waste products instead of keeping them inside, where they can cause problems. (It’s also more comfortable for your pet if they don’t feel like they need to go all day!)
It Keeps Your Pet in Social Practice
When dogs stay by themselves all day, it’s easy for them to lose their skills in doggy negotiation. This means being able to read and interpret social cues from other dogs and people, as well as how to communicate on their own. A midday walk allows your pet to encounter the wider world, keeping them brushed up on proper manners.
Sometimes, your walker may encounter another dog during the walk. Other times, the walker may be the only other person your dog sees. Either way, stimulating their brain around other living things prevents them from slipping into bad habits such as aggression, fear, or excessive forwardness.
It Reassures You
Have you ever wondered if your dog is getting up to something nefarious during the day? For some owners, there is always a concern in the back of their mind: “Is my pet getting into something dangerous? Are they safe and healthy while I’m away?”
A midday dog walker can ease these anxieties and help you leave your pet at home with greater confidence. They will be there right on schedule to check on your pet and make sure all is well.
Great dog walkers will also have the knowledge to identify serious problems, such as seizures or injuries, so you can get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Just be sure to select a midday walker who has certifications such as pet CPR and first aid training.
Schedule a Northern Virginia Midday Dog Walker Today
Leaving the house for a midday walk has many more benefits than you may have realized. Your dog will appreciate the effort, too, so they can burn some energy and come back home refreshed and ready to relax until your arrival.
The team at Paw Pals Pet Sitting makes midday visits easy. All our sitters are trained in CPR, first aid, and great doggy care, so you know your pet is in good hands. Contact Paw Pals to set up a schedule for midday walks!
