#PAWS4 Episode 1: Who lets the dog out?

Did you know that only 25% of dogs are walked daily in Australia, or that 40% of Australian dogs are not walked enough? If that’s the case, what could the percentage for Australian humans be?

Only 25% of dogs are walked daily in Australia and 40% of Australian dogs are not walked enough

The benefits of daily exercise

Exercise makes us feel good, but sometimes it can be difficult to find the motivation to get moving.

Getting into a consistent routine can help; when motivation lacks, routine can step in.

Going for short walks is a good place to start because it’s something most of us can do daily and can be done by ourselves or with family and friends.

These days we are well aware of the physical benefits of a daily walk including;

• Improved cardiovascular health
• Improved respiratory health

• Increase in circulation and fitness levels
• Warming and stretching of muscles for flexibility and motion range

Why dogs are great for our health

Mental health benefits

We often overlook the psychological and even social benefits reaped by walking, especially with a friend (2 or 4 paws!).

The mental health benefits can be different for everyone, however there are a few components that are shared;

• Walking outside helps us create a different perspective, a literal scenery change for us to explore or retreat to
• Being in and amongst nature plays a huge role in our ability to self soothe when experiencing daily stress or difficulties
• If we add a friend to the mix or take our furry buddy to a dog park, we create meaningful social connection at the same time, hit the trifecta of health:

"a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

Research shows that if dog owners who are not currently walking their dogs daily began doing so, for just 20 minutes, it could prevent 5% of overall cases and deaths from heart disease and stroke, as well as 10% of major colon and breast cancers. Not to mention the satisfaction brought on by forming and investing in a new and healthy habit, with rewards across the body and mind. Dog owners spend an average of 4.2 hours with their pets everyday so what’s a 20-minute walk between (man’s best) friends?

Up next....

Tune in for our next exciting episode to find out how daily stress can affect your body and how your little pal can tell...coming soon.