Factors associated with daily walking of dogs

Westgarth, Carri; Christian, Hayley; Christley, Robert M.

doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0434-5

Cited by 39 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…A further factor that may influence the relationship of dog ownership and dog walking is the number and type of dog(s) owned. Factors which may influence this include gender, age, size [32, 33], breed, neuter status, temperament, energy [32] and behaviour of the dog [33, 34]. Theoretically, walking dogs on the lead may involve the DO walking slowly and stopping frequently, or dogs may get additional exercise when not on the lead.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The influence of dog ownership on objective measures of free-living physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling older adults: a longitudinal case-controlled study

Dall

Ellis

et al. 2017

BMC Public Health

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BackgroundThere is some evidence to suggest that dog ownership may improve physical activity (PA) among older adults, but to date, studies examining this, have either depended on self-report or incomplete datasets due to the type of activity monitor used to record physical activity. Additionally, the effect of dog ownership on sedentary behaviour (SB) has not been explored. The aim of the current study was to address these issues by using activPAL monitors to evaluate the influence of dog ownership on health enhancing PA and SB in a longitudinal study of independently-mobile, community-dwelling older adults.MethodsStudy participants (43 pairs of dog owners and non-dog owners, matched on a range of demographic variables) wore an activPAL monitor continuously for three, one-week data collection periods over the course of a year. Participants also reported information about their own and their dog demographics, caring responsibilities, and completed a diary of wake times. Diary data was used to isolate waking times, and outcome measures of time spent walking, time spent walking at a moderate cadence (>100 steps/min), time spent standing, time spent sitting, number of sitting events (continuous periods of sitting), and the number of and of time spent sitting in prolonged events (>30 min). For each measure, a linear mixed effects model with dog ownership as a fixed effect, and a random effects structure of measurement point nested in participant nested in pair was used to assess the effect of dog ownership.ResultsOwning a dog indicated a large, potentially health improving, average effect of 22 min additional time spent walking, 95%CI (12, 34), and 2760 additional steps per day, 95%CI (1667, 3991), with this additional walking undertaken at a moderate intensity cadence. Dog owners had significantly fewer sitting events. However, there were no significant differences between the groups for either the total time spent sitting, or the number or duration of prolonged sedentary events.ConclusionsThe scale of the influence of dog ownership on PA found in this study, indicates that future research regarding PA in older adults should assess and report dog ownership and/or dog walking status.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4422-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The influence of dog ownership on objective measures of free-living physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling older adults: a longitudinal case-controlled study

Dall

Ellis

et al. 2017

BMC Public Health

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“…As race results are ultimately linked to both human and dog speed, the sport can promote increased physical activity, encouraging people to exercise with their dog to improve their race times, competitive performance, health and fitness in both species. There have been several studies exploring ways of encouraging dog owners to spend more time walking and exercising with their dogs (Rhodes et al, 2012;Schneider et al, 2014;Westgarth et al, 2014;Westgarth et al, 2015), however studies exploring the impact of this advice (both positive and negative) on the dog are lacking. Encouraging owners to increase their activity levels through dog walking or running, could place the dog at risk of conditions such as heatstroke, as unfit dogs show significantly reduced exercise endurance and increased rate of temperature rise (Nazar et al, 1992) compared to healthy dogs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating factors affecting the body temperature of dogs competing in cross country (canicross) races in the UK

Carter

Hall

2018

Journal of Thermal Biology

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Increasing numbers of people are running with their dogs, particularly in harness through the sport canicross. Whilst canicross races are typically held in the winter months, some human centred events are encouraging running with dogs in summer months, potentially putting dogs at risk of heat related injuries, including heatstroke. The aim of this project was to investigate the effects of ambient conditions and running speed on post-race temperature of canicross dogs in the UK, and investigate the potential risk of heatstroke to canicross racing dogs. The effects of canine characteristics (e.g. gender, coat colour) were explored in order to identify factors that could increase the risk of exercise-induced hyperthermia (defined as body temperature exceeding the upper normal limit of 38.8°C).108 dogs were recruited from 10 race days, where ambient conditions ranged from - 5 to 11°C measured as universal thermal comfort index (UTCI). 281 post race tympanic membrane temperatures were recorded, ranging from 37.0-42.5°C. There was a weak correlation between speed and post-race temperature (r = 0.269, P < 0.001). Whilst no correlation between any single environmental factor or UTCI and post-race temperature was found, the proportion of dogs developing exercise-induced hyperthermia during the race increased with UTCI (r = 0.688, P = 0.028). Male dogs (χ(1) = 18.286, P < 0.001), and dark coated dogs (χ(2) = 8.234, P = 0.014), were significantly more likely to finish the race with a temperature exceeding 40.6°C. Prolonged elevati°n of body temperature above this temperature is likely to cause heatstroke. At every race dogs exceeded this critical temperature, with 10.7% (n = 30) of the overall study population exceeding this temperature throughout the study period. The results suggest male dogs, dark coloured dogs, and increased speed of running all increase the risk of heatstroke in racing canicross dogs. Further research is required to investigate the impact of environmental conditions on post-race cooling, to better understand safe running conditions for dogs.

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“…Like people, dogs suffer from disease processes, such as obesity, irritable bowel disease, and osteoarthritis that are ameliorated by regular low impact exercise, such as walking (Frye, Shmalberg, & Wakshlag, 2016;Huang & Lien, 2017;Vitger et al, 2017;Vitger, Stallknecht, Nielsen, & Bjornvad, 2016;Warren et al, 2011). In addition, dog walking provides social stimulation and interaction with people and other dogs that may improve the dog's psychological health and reduce undesired behavioral problems such as aggression to people (Shin & Shin, 2017;Westgarth, Christian, & Christley, 2015). Given the health and social benefits of dog walking for dogs and people, there is clear evidence that dog walking is a mutually beneficial experience and because of these factors, dog walking may be an ideal activity to focus and develop programs aimed at increasing physical activity and wellness.…”

Section: Impact Of Dogs and Dog Ownership On Walkingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Dog Walking Programs to Promote Student Nurse Health

Yordy

Graff

2019

BHAC

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Aim:To provide a brief review of health concerns associated with a sedentary lifestyle and summarize some of the benefits of walking, with specific focus on the value of dog-walking programs as a means to improve health and wellness for the student nurse. Methods: A professor within the School of Nursing and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine collaborated to review research on the benefits of dog walking and interventions utilizing dogs to increase and sustain physical activity in their owners and those that enjoy the companionship a dog can provide. Results: Dog walking is an intervention to increase activity among student nurses due to companionship and the sense of obligation dogs provide. Research suggests that dog owners are more physically active with subsequent health benefits for both owners and dogs. Animal assisted therapy programs within the university setting can link students with dogs to improve physical activity. Conclusion: Dog walking has benefits to both people and dogs. Nursing faculty can develop physical activity programs within their institution that incorporate walking a dog to enhance physical activity among student nurses. Further research is needed to empirically evaluate effectiveness of dog walking in the student nurse population.

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Factors associated with daily walking of dogs

Cited by 39 publications

References 31 publications

The influence of dog ownership on objective measures of free-living physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling older adults: a longitudinal case-controlled study

The influence of dog ownership on objective measures of free-living physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling older adults: a longitudinal case-controlled study

Investigating factors affecting the body temperature of dogs competing in cross country (canicross) races in the UK

Evaluation of Dog Walking Programs to Promote Student Nurse Health

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