Can Dogs Help You in Losing Weight?
A 2017 study conducted by the University of Lincoln in the UK perhaps best answered the question “can having a dog help you lose weight.” It showed that dog parents who walked with their pets exercised more than those who didn’t have dogs. So if you were looking for the best workout buddy, you can’t find a better one than your dog.
People who look after their dogs, feed them well, take them on long walks, and indulge in active playtime are fitter than those who don’t have dogs. Having said that, those who don’t take good care of their dogs, feed them poorly, lock them up at home, and don’t encourage any kind of physical activity end up raising weak and temperamental dogs.
Exercising with your dog is clearly beneficial to you as well as your dog. Keep reading to learn how.
How Dogs Can Help With Weight Loss?
Whether it’s weight loss you’re after or a holistic approach toward fitness and good mental health, dogs are the perfect companions for this journey. From taking them on their daily walks to vigorous exercise routines, there are plenty of ways to shed pounds, tone muscles, and build stamina with your dog by your side. Can getting a dog help you lose weight? Let’s find out!
Dog Walking
Not only do dogs love walking, they can get quite serious about it. Focused and determined, dogs can go on for hours if they feel like it.
Watching your dog enjoy spending time with you is immensely encouraging and will make you push yourself harder to walk more miles and minutes each day.
Does your dog take a while to find a spot to poop or pee in? You can use that to your advantage too! Keep walking and extend the lengths and duration of your walk each day to burn more calories and increase your stamina. So if you ever wondered, does walking the dog count as exercise? It sure does!
ALSO READ: Best Exercise For Weight Loss
Running With Your Dog
Running is by far the best form of cardio. Take your dog to a jogging track or the park and watch your dog run like a bullet. A partner like that can make you run like a storm, too.
If you’re thinking, “Will a dog make me healthier?” Oh yes, without a doubt!
Just like you, dogs thrive on increasing their endorphins and stimulating their minds with physical exercise. Together, the two of you can get fit, strengthen your immune system, and build muscle mass to keep you overall healthy.
Exercising With Your Dog
Whether you’re walking, jogging, running, or playing frisbee with your dog, it can all be considered as exercising with your dog. Even dancing is a form of fitness that both of you can enjoy while getting fit.
The trick to making exercises with your dog more fun and effective is to be consistent with your routine. Since dogs are creatures of habit and naturally mold themselves to fit your routine, you can always count on your dog to exercise every day.
Even when you don’t feel like it, a little hint of anticipation from your dog will make you get up and get moving. You can do the same for your dog if it feels demotivated, albeit with a treat. If you’ve ever wondered, can dogs eat pork as a treat? The answer is a resounding yes!
Fitness Routine For Losing Weight With Your Dog
If weight loss and overall fitness is your end goal, have a proper fitness routine in place for each day of the week. This is typically what your fitness routine could look like.
Warm Up
Warming up is important to set the tone for what’s to come. It’s a way to get you and your dog’s blood flowing, your muscles ready, and your energy levels high for the exercises to come. A short, brisk walk of 15 minutes or some stretching to loosen up your muscles is a good way to warm up before you start your training.
Day 1
Begin your first day of exercise by brisk walking with your dog. Gradually increase the pace and duration as you go along.
Day 2
On the second day, start walking and eventually turn the brisk walk into a light jog. Maintain a good pace and jog a little more each week to cover more distance and burn more calories.
Day 3
Running up and down the stairs is a good way to exercise with your dog on day 3. It may feel strenuous at first, but once your muscles get the hang of it, both you and your dog will get faster and better at tackling stairs.
Day 4
After a good warm-up, spend day 4 running with your dog. You can start slow and accelerate the pace as you see fit.
Day 5
Go back to brisk walking on day 5. Your muscles might be feeling a bit stressed after running on day 4. Give yourself a break on day 5.
Day 6
Love yoga? Maybe your dog does, too! Spend day 6 stretching your muscles out with some light yoga poses with your dog by your side.
Day 7
On the last day of the week, try to do a bit of everything. After a warm-up session, go for a brisk walk and a jog, followed by staircase running. End the day with some breathing exercises to calm and relax yourself and your dog.
ALSO READ: Different Ways of Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle
Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering, “Can having a dog help you lose weight,” here are answers to some FAQs that will give you a clearer idea of what it’s like to workout with your dog.
How Many Calories Can I Burn Walking The Dog?
Walking your dog for weight loss is effective if done consistently. Walk for at least 30 minutes every day and lose up to 105 calories.
An hour of walking with your dog will help you burn 200-250 calories depending on your pace and the distance you cover.
If you have an extremely energetic dog, you’d want to know how to teach your dog to behave in the park. A simple trick is to start walking with your dog to avoid giving your dog any opportunity of getting into trouble.
How Do I Burn More Calories Walking My Dog?
Walking longer distances at a faster pace will help you burn more calories while walking your dog. Turn the walk into a light jog, and you and your dog can burn even more calories.
Will Walking My Dog Help Me Lose Weight?
Walking your dog every day for at least 30 minutes can help you lose weight. Wondering, “How much weight can I lose walking my dog?” If you’re consistent with your routine and maintain a good pace, you can lose up to 14 pounds in a year by walking for 50 weeks with your dog.
Do Dogs Help People Lose Weight?
Yes. Since dogs encourage and motivate you to stick to fitness routines, having an active dog will help you lose weight and become fit.
Now that we’ve answered your question, “Can having a dog help you lose weight,” time to put on your jogging shoes and hit the track for some much-needed exercise with your dog.
Walking and exercising with your dog can be very relaxing and fun, unlike other exercises that can bore you or stress you out. With a curious and active dog by your side, you’ll never run out of energy and will always be ready to push yourself to become fitter and healthier.
