I have never doubted that pets are good for our health- my own pets never fail to put a smile on my face, no matter how flat I’m feeling. Plus, owning a dog is a great way to get me off the couch and exercising in the fresh air. I feel invigorated after 30-60 minute brisk walk or game of soccer with Toby plus I really enjoy experiencing the joy that each outing brings Toby, day after day.
The latest research from the Dogs and Physical Activity study being conducted at the School of Population Health at the University of Western Australia confirms my beliefs. The research shows that dog owners are 68% more likely to achieve the recommended level of physical activity per week than non-dog owners.
“This finding is significant as it establishes a clear beneficial link between owning a dog and exercise, one of the primary preventative measures in decreasing the risk of Australia’s leading cause of death and disability,” said Mr Trevor Shilton, National Physical Activity Manager, Heart Foundation.
The author of the study, Ms Hayley Cutt, said that other results showed:
· 61% of dog owners accumulated the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
· The likelihood of achieving the recommended level of physical activity per week was seven times higher for dog owners who walked with their dog five or more times per week compared with non-dog owners.
· Dog owners reported 55 more minutes of total physical activity per week than non-owners.
· Dog owners perceived their closest park or bushland in their neighbourhood to be closer to home than non-dog owners.
· “People who live a healthy life can reduce the risk of suffering from heart disease and two of the key elements in a healthy life are getting sufficient exercise and reducing stress. It is increasingly clear from scientific research that dogs contribute positively in both these areas,” said Mr Shilton
“These results, which come from surveys with 1,800 people in Perth, indicate that creating supporting environments for physical activity is beneficial for dog owners as well as the general community,” said Ms Cutt.
A landmark 1992 study by the Baker Medical Research Institute published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that pet owners had lower levels of risk factors for cardiovascular disease than non-pet owners.