mental benefits of walking your dog

* Dog owners walked 22 more minutes per day compared to non-owners on average. Dogs also share this fixed pattern of behavior, allowing a physical bond between humans and animals. Walking your dog = More friends We are all tempted to pet dogs when we see them, no matter who might be walking them. But evidence suggests that being with our dogs lowers our level of stress hormone cortisol. So to celebrate National Walking Day, were looking at 10 of the top benefits of walkies not just for dogs, but for their humans too. So if you work or live alone, or just spend a lot of time alone throughout the day, walking with your dog can feel like a bonding experience with your best friend. When you're walking with your dog, you can lower your blood pressure and boost the feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain. Tips for walking your dog include having a routine, having the right gear, taking control. It builds confidence and trust. In a study of more than 800 people over 50, those who walked a dog at least four times per week were more likely to report feeling a strong sense of community, compared to people who didnt own a dog. Spending quality time with your dog makes that bond stronger, and the daily walk is one of the most . When you combine these two things in dog walking, you've got a double-strength stress remedy. Its no secret that if you work out regularly, youll get fitter. Start feeling better today! Vivamus vestibulum odio eget eros accumsan, ut dignissim sapien gravida. Plus, they reap other rewards, such as less stress, which may also improve their health. Like other types of exercise, dog walking is good for your mental health. Dog walking is good for mental health. Happy National Walking Day! Keep yourself, and your pet happy by walking consistently. Walking a dog can often lead to conversations with other dog owners as well, and will help you stay socially connected to others. Over time, it will help strengthen your muscles, bones, and joints. Taking your dog for daily walks is an excellent way to burn off excess energy, play with your pet, and get some fresh air at the same time - all of which promotes better moods. The bottom line is that taking care of another living thing can make it easier to take care of yourself. Always carry plastic bags with you to clean up after your dog. You may even notice that your normal route is feeling a little easy and decide to stay out longer or walk up that extra hill. For humans its one of lifes most stressful situations: naturally our dogs will detect and share some of that tension, here's 7 tips on helping your dog through the process. Its a win-win situation for both of you. Adult humans require 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that 1 in 3 adults do not get enough sleep. The biggest motivation for pet owners to go walking was the effect it had on their emotions and mental health. Dog owners typically described their walks as being for the dog, and when asked about the benefit of walking their pets, they responded that the needs of their dogs aligned with their own. Grab your leash and get out there! These are all linked to exercise and time spent outdoors, but they can also be attributed to the calming, positive effects of time spent with our dogs. Always consult your veterinarian to discuss how much exercise your dog should be getting per day. For people struggling with depression, having a dog can be a complete game-changer. Exercise has also been proven to lower your stress levels, so by walking your dog, you are simultaneously getting both of these benefits. Spending time outside exercising, especially in the late afternoon had been shown to increase the quality of your sleep. Emotional Health. Learn how to fully embrace the change process and create a positive new habit in your life. It's not all about getting off the sofa and getting fit - dog walking has been shown to ease feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression and stress. Join Kelly McGonigal for a free video from Sounds True and initiate the transformation you need most. It can be hard to motivate yourself to get out of the house if you are doing it by yourself. Exercise has also been proven to lower your stress levels, so by walking your dog, you are simultaneously getting both of these benefits. What to Do if Your Neighbors Dog Keeps Pooping in Your Yard, How to Protect Your Dog from Hot Pavement, Web Design & Development by Contractor Calls. And keeping them healthy and well-exercised is part of that responsibility. Lower Your Stress Spending time with your dog lowers your stress by actually reducing the cortisol in your blood. Consistent walks can also improve digestive and urinary health according to VCA Hospitals. People who regularly walk four times per week for at least 15 minutes live longer and healthier lives compared to those who are more sedentary, according to one study. . Daily activity not only helps keep your skeletal and muscular systems in peak working condition, it will also help maintain cardiovascular health. For optimal health, it is recommended that you walk your dog at least two or three times a day. Dogs love their schedules and routines. Those who own dogs after having a heart attack have a thirty-three percent lower risk. Getting them outside to explore their surroundings will give them the mental boost they need to feel good. Mood Stability. 2. You can even join dog walking groups or make dog walking a family activity to bring about a greater sense of connection. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Dog walking is a great excuse to explore your community and strike up conversations with your neighbors. Many animal shelters rely on volunteers to walk the dogs in their kennels. Varying your speed can add an element of physical exertion to your walk. Furthermore, exercise is a great way to lose weight. One study has demonstrated that children who live with pets, whether cats or dogs are less likely to develop Schizophrenia. Exercise has many benefits for you and your fierce little rat-hunting friend, be sure they get . Apart from a dogs physical health, its also good for your heart. Your cardiovascular system includes your heart, blood, veins, and arteries. Both you and your dog will enjoy a boost to cardiovascular fitness, healthier blood pressure, and strengthened muscles and bones-and that will add precious time to both of your lives. Walking helps boost serotonin in such a way that it actually boosts the production of chemical tryptophan, a chemical used in the natural process of serotonin manufacture. They also have lower cholesterol and blood pressure, two risk factors for cardiovascular problems. Additionally, the routine of walking a dog every day can be a healthy distraction from negative thoughts. The University of Animal Health Technology in Tokyo found that a daily walk with your dog can reduce the chances of humans developing depression, anxiety, and stress disorders. Many benefits of dog walking are well known, including reduced risk of heart disease, fresh air, and exercise. Your self-esteem and sense of well-being can both get a boost when youre walking your dog. We all know that our dogs need regular walks and exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. Our mission is to provide empowering, evidence-based mental health content you can use to help yourself and your loved ones. This mental and cognitive stimulation is extremely beneficial for your dog. This will also aid in building your dog's confidence around other dogs, helping to ease their anxiety. Research suggests that there is more to learn about how pets help us reduce mental illnesses from developing in the first place. Read on to learn four ways walking your dog can benefit your health. Supervise your dog around children and other dogs. You know how some people are better about making doctors appointments or cooking healthy meals for a loved one than for themselves? A tug-of-war rope can be an excellent toy to help relieve your dog of boredom. In 2013, the American Heart Association issued a scientific statement, which says: Pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is probably associated with decreased [cardiovascular disease] risk. That includes a lower risk for stroke, a leading cause of disabling brain injury. You have something that depends on you, and that is a powerful reminder of the good you can do in the world. The pup was also able to move more easily even in his old age, due both to the weight loss and to the improved joint mobility from more consistent activity. Promotes Mental And Physical Health. There are many studies that show just playing with dogs elevates oxytocin and dopamine in our brains, creating positive feelings and bonding for both the person and their pet. Changing their walking route can keep them mentally stimulated and get them out of trouble. When dogs go on long walks, they're exposed to the great outdoors, which reduces their stress levels. Taking your dog for a walk on a daily basis will help in strengthening his bones, which will prevent osteoporosis (loss of bone . A good test is to place your hand or bare foot on the pavement. When you combine these two things in dog walking, youve got a double-strength stress remedy. Engaging in a game with a pet will boost your levels of feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. Taking your dog out for a walk is bound to lead to meeting new people. Once you start to establish a routine, they will be so excited to get outside that they wont let you skip a day, rain or shine. The non-judgemental companionship and unconditional love offered by pets is known to have considerable mental health benefits for owners, including increased self-esteem. Some researchers have found that a 10-minute walk can boost your general mood and wellbeing. Hanging out with your dog lowers your loneliness, but doing something with them, whether its a walk or a game of fetch, helps to reduce your loneliness further. Dogs get bored if they walk in the same area for hours on end. Regular walks for your dog provide them with numerous benefits including physical health, weight management, mental and social stimulation and helps to prevent boredom. Changing your route can help you spend more time taking in new surroundings. Letting your dog use your fenced-in backyard for potty breaks and exercise is convenient, especially when life gets hectic. That's why many people, including veterans and individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, are encouraged to have and spend time with pets. Skip to content. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. With over 25,000 licensed counselors, BetterHelp has a therapist that fits your needs. Tracking your movements in an app can help you feel inspired to see the results of your daily walk. Dog walking has several benefits, including exercise, nature connection, and bonding with yourself. Because some dog owners admit to not walking their dogs as often as they should, its been found that switching their way of thinking about walking from being beneficial for the dog only to a mutually positive experience can help relieve guilt and stress around not giving dogs the exercise they need and encourage them to walk more. The study results are promising, and adds to previous findings. It helps us gain perspective and think about our effect on other things in the world. Those who own dogs have a twenty-four percent reduced risk of death. 2. There is some evidence to support the claim that walking your dog can reduce your risk of heart disease. This will increase your dogs health and strengthen the bond between you. Reduce the Symptoms of Mental Illness Studies show that cohabiting with canines makes us happier and healthier in countless ways. Privacy Policy. Psychology Today 2022 Sussex Publishers, LLC, One Way the Brain Gets Flooded With Too Much Dopamine, How to Respond When Your Adult Child Says Hurtful Things, When Dealing With a Narcissist, the Gray Rock Approach Might Help, Emotionally Neglected People Think They Need These 6 Things, 11 Tactics People Use to Hide Their Affairs. When youre headed around your neighbourhood, you meet your neighbors, you see whats going on in your community, and you naturally feel more connected to it. Keep in mind that exercising too close to bedtime can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Again, this will depend on the breed and age of your dog. The same area for hours on end easier to take mental benefits of walking your dog of yourself you feel inspired see! Day compared to non-owners on average perspective and think about our effect other. Excuse to explore your community and strike up conversations with your dog at least two or times. 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