The science behind the benefits of walking your dog

The benefits dogs bring to us might be felt differently from person to person. Sometimes the experience of caring for dogs is carried out predominantly by one member of the household. Other times, the whole family partakes in the burden and the bliss of having our hairy friends' needs covered, their space respected, and their walks are done.

From what I read, there is a spectrum of involvement in what it means to have a dog. On one side, we find owners or tutors that are a bit more practical or pragmatic. On the other hand, we see individuals emotionally involved with what they consider a family member. I find myself part of the latter group and consider my dogs indispensable in my life.

I am writing to discuss the physical and mental benefits of specifically walking with your dogs each morning. It will not be an exhaustive list, and there might be things left out. For example, I won't talk about how dogs ease our way into conversations, how they encourage us to socialize, put us in nature throughout the seasons, or even up to what point pets help us construct our identity. Many of us certainly think that we belong to a group that has some fundamental values in common. Does this happen to you too?

Today I will talk about science and what goes on in our bodies when walking our dogs, how it helps regulate our early moods, sleep, energy, and muscle tone and reduces the risk of being victims of certain diseases.