New study suggests pet owners healthier than previously though.

[Buteo]

After reading a thread here about pet owners health, I came across this article.

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By Martha Worboy
CanWest News Service

When it comes to furry pets it might be healthier to have one that barks than one that meows, a new study shows.

Researchers from San Diego State University have found dog owners who walk their dogs are more active and less overweight than those who let them out in the back yard to get exercise.

The study surveyed 2,200 people - of which one-third were dog owners - in Seattle, Washington and Baltimore. Out of the dog owners surveyed, two-thirds of the walkers had a lower body mass index, weighing about 6 pounds less than those who didn't walk their dogs.

"It's been shown that having social support helps people to acheive their fitness goals, but that doesn't mean it has to come from another human," lead researcher Dori Rosenberg explained.

Forty-three per cent of those in the walking category took their dogs out for more than 2.5 hours a week, meaning they're achieving the weekly physical activity minimum recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just by walking Rover.

And having a furry companion to get you out the door and exercising could also lead to healthy social bonds around the neighborhood.

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[EDP]

I never realized that! Thanks for the information.

And of course, birdowners get the most exercise by not walking, but FLYING around the house after their bird- LOL!

[Darth_Prophet]

Originally Posted by EDP

I never realized that! Thanks for the information.

And of course, birdowners get the most exercise by not walking, but FLYING around the house after their bird- LOL!

I walk my birds at least once a week .

I get to types of noticible responses , one is like we all might have bird flue
and people walk wide circles arounds us , the other is stark amazement by people who never knew a bird could be such an active pet .

Following commands better then dogs .
At my local store the owners have Tiels and are completely jealous of just how friendly and easy going our birds are ..

Everytime we go there they are always asking where are the birds are..
They just mull my babies everytime I take them ...