A Brisk 20 Minute Daily Dog Walk Can Significantly Prolong Your Life

  

Exercising With Your Dog is Great For Your Health and the Well-being of Your Dog

You

Dog walking is not only critical for your dog's health but it can also lengthen your life.   In fact, researchers who conducted a large scale European study published on January 14th of this year found that even what they called moderate inactivity--which could be a 20 minute brisk walk with your dog-- could decrease your chances of death by up to 16-30% depending on other factors.




The researchers hypothesized that if all people with a sedentary lifestyle were physically active for at least 20 minutes a day, mortality would be reduced by 7.35%.  This is twice the reduction in mortality if obesity were to be eliminated.

Other research shows that physical activity helps the human with reductions in cancer, type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, heart attacks, strokes, declines in physical functioning , declines in bone loss, obesity, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression,  and even colds and the flu.  See article by Dr. James Rimmer and Johns Hopkins Medical School for more information.

Your dog

Physical activity reduces boredom and frustration which can lead to problem behaviors such as destructive chewing, digging, scratching, hyperactivity (especially when you are trying to sleep), overly rough play, and excessive barking and whining.

Daily exercise can help keep the dog's digestive and cardiovascular systems healthy, keep them agile and limber, help them feel confident and keep their weight at a healthy level.

And, on top of it all, it helps you stay connected with your pet and can be loads of fun!

Please let us know how you exercise with your pups in the comment area below.