• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Dog walks boost fitness for dogs, owners

Posted May 14, 2017

By Sara B. Hansen

dog walking infoEveryone knows it’s important to walk your dog so she gets exercise. But research shows owners benefit just as much or even more because dog walks boost fitness for both owners and their dogs.

In fact, two studies show that owners may get even more benefit from their dogs from daily walks.

Grab the leash

A British study shows dog owners exercise their pets twice a day for 24 minutes each time for a total of 5 hours and 38 minutes per week. On top of that, the average British dog owner also takes their pet out on three long walks per week adding another 2 hours and 33 minutes to the total.

By comparison, people without dogs spent an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes per week exercising at the gym or going for a walk. Even worse, according to the British study, nearly half of non-dog owners (47 percent) get no exercise at all.

A 2011 study by Michigan State University offers similar good news for dog owners.

That study shows people who owned and walked their dogs were 34 percent more likely to meet federal benchmarks on physical activity.

And the study also showed people who walked their dogs generally walked about an hour longer per week than people who owned dogs but did not walk them.

Too many overweight dogs

But there’s also some disturbing news on the dog-walking front. Many owners aren’t giving their pets enough exercise.

Over half of U.S. dogs and cats are now overweight or obese, according to a study conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. One-fifth of dogs and cats are obese — weighing 30% over a healthy weight.

Overweight pets suffer from a multitude of health issues including diabetes, kidney failure, and cancer.

Bottom line: Daily dog walks boost fitness for both you and your furry best friend, so grab your leash and give your dog that walk you both need.

Editor Sara B. HansenSara B. Hansen has spent the past 20-plus years as a professional editor and writer. She decided to create her dream job by launching Dog’s Best Life. Sara grew up with family dogs, and since she bought her first house, she’s had a furry companion or two to help make it a home. She shares her heart and home with Sydney, an Australian Shepherd-Corgi mix.
You can reach Sara @ [email protected].

Related Posts

  • dog walking info
    Find out when, where and how most dog owners take their pups out

    According to a dog walk info survey from DogBuddy.com, most…

  • dog walking info
    7 tips to make the most of daily dog walks

    Try to take daily dog walks. Pick a place that's…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Dog walks

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • The most common warning signs to watch for in your puppy's behaviors include snarling, growling, mounting, snapping, nipping, lip curling, lunging, dominance, challenging stance, dead-eye stare, aggressive barking, possessiveness, and of course, biting!

    Take action immediately when you spot aggressive puppy warning signs

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

Tags

Ear infection Outdoor activities Hiking Driving Pandemic Bichon frisé Golden retriever Veterinarian Working dogs Dog senses Dog Medical Emergency Independent dog breeds Puppy kindergarten Dog brushing Dog toys Dog apps Pet sitter Rottweiler New Year Fourth of July Dependent dog breeds Dog health benefits Home renovations First-time dog owner Dog communication Dog training tips Separation anxiety Major life changes Allergies Dog nails

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Is an American Bully XL the right dog for you?
    The American Bully XL, a gentle giant, is one of four varieties of the American Bully breed — an extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier. […]
  • STOP! 7 reasons not to yell at your dog
    Your tone of voice and volume play a significant role in your dog's development and how you bond. Yelling at your dog can make your dog nervous and fearful. […]
  • Is now the right time to add a dog or puppy to your family?
    Right time to add a dog: Are you prepared to care for a pet? If you are not ready to make that commitment, you are not ready for a pet. […]
  • Try 10 dog walking tips for first-time dog owners or beginners
    Dog walking is a great way to keep your pet healthy. Use our list of 10 dog walking tips for beginners to avoid mistakes when starting out. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2022 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more