Dogs Keep You Moving, Make For Healthier Adults

A new study has found that dog owners are generally healthier than those who do not have dogs, due to them being more physically active.

Having a dog can be a wonderful experience in a person’s life and a new study has supported the idea that dog owners are also healthier people.

Researchers at Michigan State University found that owning a dog makes a person more active, usually from walking the dog outdoors daily or multiple times a week.

The study found that dog owners averaged about 30 minutes of exercise a day and averaged at least five days a week – compared that to the fact that only 1/3 of non dog owners could fit into that criteria.

The study also found that people who own dogs are also more likely to exercise (other then walking their dog) and for longer periods of time then people without a dog.

Public health departments recommend at the minimum 150 minutes of exercise a week, a number that less then ½ of Americans reach with any sort of consistency, but owning and walking a dog appears to be a good way to better reach that goal – and lead to a healthier life.