Odds of Getting Adequate Physical Activity by Dog Walking

Abstract

Background We aimed to determine the likelihood that adult dog owners who walk their dogs will achieve a healthy level of moderate-intensity (MI) physical activity (PA), defined as at least 150 mins/wk. Methods We conducted a systematic search of 6 databases with data from 1990–2012 on dog owners’ PA, to identify those who achieved MIPA. To compare dog-walkers’ performance with non–dog walkers, we used a random effects model to estimate the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results We retrieved 9 studies that met our inclusion criterion and allowed OR calculations. These yielded data on 6980 dog owners aged 18 to 81 years (41% men). Among them, 4463 (63.9%) walked their dogs. Based on total weekly PA, 2710 (60.7%) dog walkers, and 950 (37.7%) non–dog walkers achieved at least MIPA. The estimated OR was 2.74 (95% CI 2.09–3.60). Conclusion Across 9 published studies, almost 2 in 3 dog owners reported walking their dogs, and the walkers are more than 2.5 times more likely to achieve at least MIPA. These findings suggest that dog walking may be a viable strategy for dog owners to help achieve levels of PA that may enhance their health.

Dog walking among adolescents: Correlates and contribution to physical activity

“…These findings are consistent with previous findings that dog walking contributes to more total physical activity among adults and adolescents. 5–9,13,14 The relatively modest impact of dog walking on total MVPA minutes may be due to short dog walks or most dog walking being below the moderate-intensity threshold that would be captured in the accelerometer scores. Several demographic and environmental variables were related to dog walking.…”

“…8 A review of 9 dog walking studies among adults calculated the odds of meeting moderate intensity physical activity guidelines and concluded that dog walkers were 2.5 times more likely to meet the guidelines. 9 Identifying factors, like motivators and barriers, related to dog walking is important because results can inform interventions to increase dog walking. 10 …”

The association between dog ownership and physical activity in adults – a brief review

“…The majority of articles (n=12) reported a positive association between dog owner/dog walkers and PA. Soares et al 10 reported that dog owner/dog walkers were 2.74 times more likely to achieve 150 minutes of PA than owners who do not walk their dog.…”

“…JHD 2017:2(1): [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] REVIEW households, it is no surprise that an association between dog ownership and higher levels of PA has been found. 10 Despite this, less than 50 per cent of dog owners walk their dogs regularly.…”

“…10 Despite this, less than 50 per cent of dog owners walk their dogs regularly. 8 Dog walking is a purposeful task that provides social support and can act as a constant motivator all year round, including during the winter months.…”