Your Pup May Be the Best Workout Buddy

Cynthia Otto, DVM, PhD, BS, discusses the importance of physical activity for you and your furry friends.

America’s obesity epidemic, tied largely to a sedentary lifestyle and lack of meal portion control, is not limited to humans – it’s also an issue for our dogs and cats.

Unfortunately, because the general public is so used to seeing overweight pets, dogs that are physically fit and at an appropriate weight tend to be seen as “too thin.” A healthy dog should have a defined doggy waistline and should have just slightly padded doggy ribs (the same goes for our feline friends).

Research has shown that dogs who are just 10 to 15 percent overweight shave up to two years off their lives. With an average life expectancy between eight and 18 years (depending on size and other genetic and external factors), a couple of years makes a big difference.

The Benefits of Working Out with Your Pet

Now, add the benefits of exercise to the health benefits of pet ownership.

Studies have shown that people who own pets have increased levels of physical fitness, as well as a decrease in loneliness, anxiety and depression. Spending quality time with your pet through exercise can help keep both you and your furry family member healthier by lowering blood pressure, reducing both the risk of obesity and heart disease, and ultimately, having a positive effect on mental wellbeing and connectedness through the human-animal bond.

Together, these things can impact the relationship with your pet by increasing oxytocin release in your brain and your pet’s. Oxytocin is a nurturing hormone that makes you feel good. Petting and playing with your pet can release the hormone. Plus, the interaction through play and physical activity helps dogs release energy, which helps them be better behaved in general.

Since they don’t have a job and can’t read or do Sudoku puzzles, pets rely heavily on you for physical and mental exercise.

Activities for You and Your Pooch

Struggling to come up with fun ways to keep you and Fido active for the recommended 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week? Here are a few suggestions:

• Go for a couple long walks or jogs a few times a week
• Let your dog be your ball retriever during tennis practice
• Practice your Frisbee throw
• If your dog enjoys water, go for a swim together
• Include your pet in biking, hiking and trail running adventures 

Before embarking on any exercise program, it is always good to check in with your -- and your dog’s -- physician to ensure that everyone stays safe.

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