Promotes Physical Activity
Caring for a dog involves regular exercise, such as walks, playtime, or even structured routines. The amount of exercise depends on your dog’s breed and energy levels, but most dog owners walk their pets multiple times a week.
Research has shown that walking a dog contributes significantly to an active lifestyle, reducing the risk of obesity, heart disease, and even certain cancers. For example, studies indicate that the majority of dog owners engage in at least 10 minutes of walking daily, boosting both their own fitness and their pet's well-being.
Supports Heart Health
Regular physical activity, such as walking with your dog, is excellent for your cardiovascular system. Exercise helps lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), and increase HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), which improves blood flow and reduces strain on the heart.
Walking your dog not only benefits your heart but also allows you to enjoy fresh air and the outdoors, making it a win-win for both owner and pet.
Helps Manage Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight involves balancing calorie intake with physical activity. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly for adults. Regular walks with your dog can make it easier to meet this goal and stay on track with weight management.
Encourages Sunlight Exposure
Time spent outdoors with your dog can increase your exposure to sunlight, helping your body produce vitamin D. This nutrient is essential for bone health and plays a role in preventing certain diseases. Regular walks ensure you're soaking up enough sun, even during cooler months, which can be especially helpful in areas with limited daylight.
May Improve Heart Attack Recovery
Owning a dog has been linked to better outcomes for heart attack survivors. Studies suggest that dog owners may have a higher chance of surviving the first year post-heart attack compared to non-owners. While the exact reasons are unclear, the companionship and physical activity associated with dog ownership likely play a role.
Strengthens the Immune System
Living with a dog can expose you to a wider variety of beneficial microbes. Families with dogs often share a similar microbiome with their pets, which can positively influence health. Research suggests that exposure to dog-associated bacteria in household dust may reduce the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Assistance and Therapy Dogs
Dogs provide invaluable support as service animals. They help individuals with visual impairments navigate the world, alert caregivers during seizures, and even assist in rescue missions. Their intelligence and trainability make them indispensable partners in various life-saving and therapeutic roles.
Fewer Doctor Visits
Dog owners tend to visit doctors less frequently and require fewer medications compared to those without pets. While the exact reasons remain unclear, the combination of physical activity, companionship, and stress relief provided by dogs likely contributes to better overall
What are you waiting for?
Your future dog is out there practicing their best puppy eyes just for you! Swing by your local shelter or give their social media a stalk—you might just meet your new best friend.
If you're considering adopting a pet, reaching out to local shelters or provincial organizations is a great way to start.
Canadian Shelters (if you would like your shelter or rescue to be included in the list) sent us an email.
British Columbia:
Alberta:
- Alberta SPCA
- Bonnyville & District SPCA
- Calgary Humane Society
- Cochrane Humane Society
- Crowsnest Pass SPCA
- Edmonton Humane Society
- Fort McMurray SPCA
- Lac La Biche Regional Humane Society
- Prince Albert SPCA
- Regina Humane Society
- Saskatoon SPCA
Ontario:
- Burlington Humane Society
- Etobicoke Humane Society
- Guelph Humane Society
- Lincoln County Humane Society
- Mississauga Humane Society
- Niagara Falls Humane Society
- Ontario SPCA
- Ottawa Humane Society
- Quinte Humane Society
- Sarnia and District Humane Society
- Simcoe & District Humane Society
- Toronto Humane Society
- Upper Credit Humane Society
- Fredericton SPCA
- Nova Scotia SPCA (NS)
- Oromocto and Area SPCA (NB)
- PEI Humane Society
- Yarmouth SPCA (NS)
