Dogs are widely recognized as sources of companionship, and research continues to examine the relationship between dog ownership, physical activity, and health. One area receiving attention is dog walking and its connection to activity levels, particularly among older adults.
Research has consistently found an association between dog ownership and increased physical activity. The American Heart Association reports that dog owners are more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels than people who do not own dogs. Its current information also notes that dog ownership may be associated with benefits involving cardiovascular health, stress, and overall well-being. However, these findings describe associations and do not establish that owning a dog directly causes better health outcomes.
A 2024 study published in Educational Gerontology examined dog walking among older adults living in assisted-living facilities. Participants were divided into groups that walked shelter dogs, walked with human companions, or served as a control group. Over the 12-week program, the group walking dogs recorded greater increases in walking distance and time compared with the group walking with human companions. Participants also reported positive experiences with their walking companions, suggesting that the presence of a dog may have been a motivating factor for participation.
Other recent research has produced a more complex picture. A 2024 study involving 588 adult companion-animal owners found that dog owners participated in higher levels of physical activity than owners of other companion animals. However, the researchers found that physical activity unrelated to companion animals, rather than dog ownership itself, was associated with certain mental-health outcomes. The authors emphasized that the findings do not establish that dog ownership directly improves mental health.
Research involving older adults has also examined dog walking in relation to mobility and falls. A 2023 study of more than 4,000 adults age 60 and older found an association between regular dog walking and lower reported rates of unexplained falls, fear of falling, and mobility problems.
Overall, current research supports an association between dog walking and increased physical activity, while evidence regarding broader health effects remains an active area of study.
Sources:
American Heart Association. 16 Science-Backed Reasons Adopting a Dog Could Be Good for Your Heart. 2024.
Zablan K, Melvin G, Hayley A. Dog ownership, physical activity, loneliness and mental health: a comparison of older adult and younger adult companion animal owners. BMC Psychology. 2024.
Silveira BA, et al. Walk a hound: dog walking and the wellbeing of older adults. Educational Gerontology. 2024.
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