Dogs don’t follow Zumba routines and they can’t use free weights, but our pooches may  be just as valuable as expensive exercise machines in helping us humans lose weight.

A recently completed study,  called People and Pets Exercising Together,  has shown that exercising with your dog has several positive benefits at both ends of the leash. 

People trying to lose weight need a positive support system and- as anyone who’s ever run with a dog knows-  exercising with your pet  brings unique encouragement and fun not seen in other workout programs.

Owners  who want to lose weight can count on consistent prompting from their canine buddy to get outside and get moving.  The need for the dog to go outside is a positive influence, encouraging activity.   Most owners see their daily walks with the pet as enjoyable and less like exercise.

A separate Canadian study showed that dog owners actually averaged 300 minutes per week walking compared to 168 minutes for people without dogs.

Beyond prompting us to exercise, pets also affect our desire to succeed because of parental pride.  Most owners consider their pets to be members of the family and when the pet loses weight as well, it is a double accomplishment.

Before you rush out to buy a track suit for your four-legged buddy, there are a few considerations to make sure everyone stays healthy and safe.

First, like you, your pet may not be ready for the Mini-Marathon.  Increase the amount of time spent walking gradually.   Some overweight dogs might begin with simply walking to the end of the block and then gradually work up to longer distances.

It’s also important to realize that your pet will be very excited and not know to take it easy.   Every spring, veterinarians see dogs with torn knee ligaments, painful hips, and other over- exertion injuries.   Learn your pet’s limits and help him build strength and stamina. Even if your pet is not overweight, strenuous exercise can debilitate any pet not used to the routine

Not all pets are equally suited to the same workout routine.   (I will never be a mountain biker…)  Although all dogs will benefit from daily walks, many breeds won’t make good running partners.    Be sure to tailor your exercise plan to your dog’s physical and athletic abilities.

Get your pup a good physical exam before starting any weight loss or exercise program. Your veterinarian can help you find the right rate of weight loss for your pet and will have additional ideas on exercise routines and proper diets.

If you ever need a reason to run with your dog, now you have one:  it’s good for you!

Happy running through the holidays!

Liz Devitt, DVM

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 19th, 2009 at 4:30 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.