Over three million more households in the UK have taken on a pet since the start of the pandemic. There are many good reasons why owning a pet can improve health and well-being, but dog owners may be top of the league when it comes to heart-health. If your new buddy is a pooch, you’re likely to be benefitting from higher levels of physical activity, lower blood pressure, lower stress levels and ultimately a longer life.
Here are some of our top dog-walking tips to keep you and your mess-making, tail-chasing best friend healthy.
Rise and shine
Kick start every day with a heart-healthy dog walk. A brisk walk of 15 minutes will get you well on your way towards your recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity at the same time as helping to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels healthy.
Train well
Unlike a friend or colleague, your furry friend won’t moan about the weather and cancel on you or slacken off the pace, so let them take the lead. Make them your running or cycling companion.
Up the pace
Keep your dog’s tail wagging and your heart pounding by outrunning your dog’s pace and playing games like Frisbee and tug of war to keep both of your hearts healthy.
Keep going
Whether it’s your own, a neighbour’s, or a new found foster dog, if you have a four legged friend at your heels, make sure you journey the streets come rain or shine, grabbing the lead to a healthy heart and keep going every day!
