Reahna Stahl: a student in veterinary medicine, walks her dog. Lindsey Davidson / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
The title dogs get as “man’s best friend” does ring true in many ways.
For instance, your dog can help you live a longer and healthier life. If that is not a best friend, who knows what is?
A study by Bassett Research Institute in New York found dog owners are more likely to lose weight than people without dogs. The study found owners got outdoors to exercise their dogs, which in turn gave the owners their own dose of exercise.
Whether we walk our dogs because they need it, or are more likely to enjoy a walk when we have companionship, dog owners walk more than non-pet owners, at least if we live in an urban setting.
Because exercise is good for stress management and overall health, owning a dog can be credited with increasing these benefits, according to www.about.com.
Many Auburn students are allowed dogs in their apartment complexes, so they get exercise along with their dog.
Auburn Lyle, a junior in special education, takes her Maltese around University Village and agrees having a dog does increase her own health.
“I take her on a walk everyday,” Lyle said. “I play ball with her, we play tug-of-war, and just pretty much play with her toys. I know I would not get out as much if I didn’t have her.”
Kayla Hodel, a junior in communication disorders, takes her mutt out at least three times a week.
“I just take her for a walk,” Hodel said. “I take her to the park on Gay Street. She loves it there.”
The Auburn area has many parks that serve well as places for dogs and their owners to get out and enjoy the great outdoors including Kiesel Park, Town Creek Park and Chewacla State Park.
Corey Payne, a senior in accounting, said while he does take his basset hound out, he would still get an adequate amount of exercise if he was not a dog owner.
“I don’t really walk her that much,” Payne said. “I just take her to the park and let her run around. I go to the (Student Activities Center) four times a week anyways.”
The math is simple between dog owners and the rest of us.
The additional walking time for dog walkers can add up to about 600 calories a week. In a year, that can be enough to burn off 10 pounds or prevent adding 10 pounds. Research done by the University of Missouri-Columbia matched new walkers with loaner dogs, and they lost an average of 14 pounds in a year.
Other healthy and helpful benefits to being a dog or other pet owner include stress reduction, better blood pressure control, improvements on mood and help with social support, according to www.about.com.
About.com also offers some tips for dog walkers to keep fit:
First, always walk your dog on a leash. Second, be sure to keep you and your pet hydrated, especially in the hot summer months. Third, take time to rest. You may still be energized, but your dog may not.
Also, dog owners should never forget to carry a pooper-scooper.
