One thing about owning pets is that they require work, however, this is often a fun chore! This includes feeding them and giving them water, grooming them, and, of course, making sure they get enough exercise! For dogs, this normally comes in the form of going on walks. As stated in an article from UC Davis health, nearly 60% of dog owners meet the recommended levels of weekly exercise compared with only about 25% of the standard adult population. By establishing healthy daily routines like this, individuals can maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of lung, colon, breast, prostate, and kidney cancers.
Pets can benefit the heart health of their owners. Just the presence of animals can reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels. Further, regular walks with your dogs, cats, or even chickens (believe it or not, I have a friend who would take her chicken on walks) can lower your risk of heart disease.
Pets also open doors to various sports. One of the most common examples of this is horseback riding. As shown through a Texas A&M University study, riding a horse at a slow pace can burn up to 200 calories in 45 minutes. Due to this as well as measurements on heart rate and respiratory frequency, horseback riding was determined to have long term heart health benefits. This can also be a great exercise option for people who may not be able to do other sports, such as running, due to injury. Further, horseback riding can be a more fun alternative to other forms of exercise, making it very appealing to children, thus, helping to fight childhood obesity.
Another sport you can do with your pets, the one that I have done, is dog agility. While this may look fairly non strenuous, if you have a fast dog like you do, you may be sprinting through the entire course! In addition to being good exercise for you, it is an excellent form of exercise for your dog. Some dogs, especially those with higher energy levels who may require more exercise and mental stimulation (like border collies, cattle dogs, and spaniels), agility can be a great way to burn both mental and physical energy. Further, agility enhances reflexes and cardio abilities in both the handler and the dog.
Walking, horseback riding and agility are just a few of the many ways that working with animals can benefit your physical health. Feel free to click the links below to read some of the articles where I got my information from, or even do your own research!
https://animalscience.tamu.edu/2015/07/study-examines-health-benefits-of-horseback-riding/
