Walk your dog: They’ll feel better and so will you

By Jessye Gentry |Staff Writer|

A lot of students are working on getting fit for the summer since it’s right around the corner. For those students that have pets, walking is an easy way to stay in shape and there is no one better to take with you than your furry friend.

Your pets need the exercise just as much as you do. It will keep both of you very healthy and has many physical and social benefits.

I take my 8-year-old boxer, Roxy, and my 2-year-old Chihuahua, Molly, for walks at least twice a week and to the dog park every Saturday.

Walking will help both you and your pet lose weight.

Dog ownership and obesity were evaluated in a study, conducted by Preventative Medicine, reported that, “Dog owners who walk their dogs were almost 25 percent less likely to be obese than people without dogs.”

My dogs and I are at very healthy weights. I am within my height to weight ratio. My boxer is at a healthy weight for her breed and so is my Chihuahua.

Walking for just 30 minutes a day you can burn anywhere from 75-150 calories, depending on your speed.

Health Promotion Journal of Australia reported that, “having a dog in the house reduced the risk of childhood obesity by half!”

Walking can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. It strengthens your heart and lowers your blood pressure as well as your dogs’.

The veterinarian that I take my dogs to always tells me they are very healthy and a big part of that is because I walk them.

Walking is also a great way to de-stress. Walking releases endorphins that make you feel good which reduces stress and anxiety.

Petting animals can also de-stress and relieve anxiety.

CSUSB student Noe Ramos takes his 2-year-old poodles, Jerry and Minnie for walks.

“I enjoy walking my dogs, it gets me up and out of the house. I love to get fresh air and so does Jerry and Minnie,” said Ramos.

Walking actually makes you happy. It makes your dog happy too!

It works in a different way for them though.

Your dog is able to get out in the open, smelling and seeing all the different things excites them and besides they get to spend time with their favorite person in the world.

Walking gives you energy, it increases circulation throughout your body. While walking may give you energy it alleviates extra energy your pet may have, helping them relax when they get back home.

My dogs enjoy running around at the dog park and smelling all the different things, but as soon as they get home they go and take a nap.

Some other places to go, rather than just taking a walk around the block, are the Dog beach at Huntington, Etiwanda Nature Preserve, Little Bear Creek Trail, or Big Bear Mountain.

The next time you’re sitting at home binge watching Netflix with your pet in your lap, think about taking your furry friend for a walk instead, to not only benefit your pet, but you as well.