Walking a dog provides exercise and bonding for the human and the dog in a society where more than two-thirds of humans and nearly half of canines are considered overweight or obese, according Dr. Ernie Ward and the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, or APOP. "Walk with your dog every day, and you’ll enhance the bond you share—and know you’re doing both yourself and your pet a world of good."
Human Health
According to "Prevalence and Trends in Obesity Among US Adults, 1999-2008," published in the January 2010 "Journal of American Medicine," 68 percent of the 5,555 men and women studied were overweight or obese by body mass index score. The score charts height and weight. The percentage of people considered obese stood at nearly 34 percent. Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke, heart disease, certain cancers, and arthritis. People with higher levels of obesity have higher death rates.
Canine Health
APOP estimates 45 percent of U.S. dogs are overweight or obese, or approximately 35 million of 77.5 million dogs. Too much weight can lead to osteoarthritis, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, cranial cruciate ligament injury, kidney disease and many forms of cancer. Providing treats continues to be the main culprit for excess weight, the association reports. "Even tiny treats pack a punch," Ward said.
Benefits
Walking is an easy way to be physically active, according to the Weight-Control Information Network of the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. It can be done anywhere, anytime, and, all you need is a pair of shoes. Walking can give a person more energy, reduce stress, tone muscles, increase the number of calories your body uses, strengthen your bones, improve your stamina, lower your risk of disease and provide a social opportunity with family and friends.
Human Tips
The NIH offers these tips for starting a walking program:
Choose a safe place to walk.Wear shoes with proper arch support, a firm heel, and thick flexible soles.Wear clothes that will keep you dry and comfortable.
Think of your walk in three parts. Warm up by walking slowly for 5 minutes. Then, increase your speed and do a fast walk. Finally, cool down by walking slowly again for 5 minutes. Stretch.
Dog Tips
APOP offers tips for dog walking: Get the right equipment. Forget the leash and collar. A head halter or walking harness is the safest choice. Look for wide, soft, padded straps and breathable materials.
For winter walks, protective booties may be required in a cold climate. If it’s warm or the walk will be longer than 30 minutes, carry water.
Set off at a pace that is comfortable and sustainable. It should feel brisk.
Walk 30 minutes a day, seven days a week.
References
- Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: Obesity Facts & Risks
- Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: Pet Obesity Continues to Grow in U.S.
- The Journal of the American Medical Association: Prevalence and Trends in Obesity Among U.S. Adults, 1999-2008
- Weight-Control Information Network: Walking, A step in the right direction
- Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: Dog walking
Member Comments
Claribel August 4
Super! Yo me llevo a mi Luna a caminar dos veces al dia.
LSlater213 March 15
To tell people to forget the leash and collar and opt for a harness or head walker is the most irresponsible thing a professional can do. First, a regular harness offers ZERO control over the animal. You don't believe me? Come to the Therapy Dog class I teach and watch a hundred lb dog who has never been on anything else. HE is charge. That's going to be fun when he decides to pull his owner into traffic.
No pull harnesses are just as bad, although the dog will never be able to pull his owner into traffic. This is the Ridalyn of the dog world. Don't bother training the dog to walk on a leash politely. Just buy a no-pull harness and you don't have to do a darned thing.
While I realize that this was a recommendation by APOP, you quoted it, so you must believe it--or you just didn't bother to talk to professional dog people before you wrote this article.
Did it ever occur to you to mention poop bags, which all responsible dog owners carry when they walk their dog? If you don't know anything about the dog world, DON'T write about it!