Do Dog Owners Get More Exercise?

Dog owners are fitter than other people, a study suggests. They tend to walk longer and more often than non-owners and are four times more likely to meet exercise guidelines for a healthy life. And, typically, they go for walks on top of other exercise activities, such as cycling and jogging, rather than instead of it.

Researchers say their findings highlight the need for more dog-friendly homes, parks and paths.Study leader Dr. Carri Westgarth said, “Without dogs, it is likely population physical activity levels would be much lower.”

The results come from a University of Liverpool study, in which 191 dog owners and 455 non-owners were asked about their exercise habits.

Excerpted from The New York Post

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