A study by Cynthia V. Lentino and colleagues has provided strong evidence that dog walking contributes to better health beyond simply being physically active. Published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health in March 2012, the research assessed the health profiles of over 900 adults, dividing them into three groups: dog walkers, dog owners who didn’t walk their dogs, and non–dog owners.
Despite all three groups reporting varying levels of overall physical activity, the group that regularly walked their dogs reported significantly better health outcomes. Even after adjusting for **age and physical activity volume**, dog walkers were found to have **lower odds of reporting diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and depression** compared to non–dog owners. For example, their odds of diabetes were reduced by more than half [OR = 2.53; 95% CI (1.17–5.48)].
The findings suggest that **dog walking provides distinct health advantages** beyond exercise volume alone. Walking a dog may support **consistent daily movement, stress relief, and routine social interactions**, all of which contribute to improved physical and mental well-being. Moreover, those who didn’t walk their dogs or didn’t own dogs had **higher body mass indexes** and were generally less active than regular dog walkers.
Encouraging dog walking in communities—especially where sedentary lifestyles are common—could be a powerful tool in public health efforts. The activity not only promotes **sustained physical activity** but also aligns with mental health benefits, such as reduced depressive symptoms and increased social support.
These results reinforce that **dog walking is a simple, accessible strategy to enhance personal and population health**, particularly when integrated into daily life. Public health campaigns could benefit by positioning it as a dual benefit for both **human and canine wellness**.
Source: Cynthia V. Lentino, Alexandra J. Visek, Kristin McDonnell, and Lisa DiPietro. Published in Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Volume 9, Issue 3, Pages 414–420, March 2012.
