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Pause for Pets: Exercise is good for you and your pet

By Maggie Wagner/Contributor

We all know that exercise and maintenance of proper body weight will help us lead longer and healthier lives. The same is true for our animal friends. What if you could accomplish two (or more) goals by doing just one thing regularly?

A 2006 Canadian study showed that dog owners spend an average of five hours a week walking while those without dogs averaged only three hours of exercise. The additional time that dog owners spent walking adds up to about 600 calories per week. Over a year’s time, that is enough to either burn off 10 pounds or prevent a 10-pound gain. An earlier University of Missouri study loaned walkers a doggie walking partner and found that the humans lost an average of 14 pound in a year.

Why does walking a dog work so well? Unlike friends or family a dog is always excited to go. In fact, after a few consecutive walks they will remind you and pester you and stare at their leash until you give in and get out. If you are a morning dog walker, you may find that your furry friend will begin to anticipate wake-up time so well that an alarm becomes an unneeded appliance.

What do you need to walk your dog? Not much really. The tough things about walking will be brought to you by your pet. Your pet will supply the enthusiasm, energy and reminder to walk every single day, rain or shine. You need to supply a leash, collar, some training, a good pair of shoes, a “poop bag” and a pleasant route. Once you start walking your dog, you will see the benefits not only in your waistline, but also in your dog’s behavior, your stress reduction and your appreciation for your pet and where you live.

You can start your walking regime with the staff of Nipomo Dog and Cat Hospital on our First Annual Dog Walk on Saturday. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. at the hospital at 525 Sandydale Drive. We are asking for a $20 donation to provide funding for our “Stray Fund” which helps provide financial assistance for medical care for less fortunate animals. Walkers without dogs are encouraged to come.

After registration and a light breakfast, we will walk west on Sandydale and cut over to Inga on the horse trail. We will cross Pomeroy and wander around the Native Garden and then return to the hospital. There will be gifts and treats at the end of the walk. After the walk your pet can go home to rest and you can come back from 1 to 4 p.m. to help celebrate our Open House.

For more information and registration, call Nipomo Dog & Cat Hospital at 929-2855 or visit www.nipomodogandcathospital.com.

Veterinarian Maggie Wagner is the owner of Nipomo Dog & Cat Hospital located at 525 Sandydale Drive.