For an average-paced walker, that equates to roughly 750,000 extra steps each year, taking approximately 124 hours and burning off up to 30,000 calories – roughly 10lbs of body fat*.
But the poll of 2,005 dog owners from FRONTLINE®, a leading brand in pet healthcare, shows that physical gains aren’t the only benefits either, with many citing emotional advantages too.
Almost nine in 10 (86%) say their dog has increased their emotional well-being, while the vast majority (89%) say they are just generally happier.
Social benefits are also prevalent, with two-thirds (66%) saying they now have more opportunities to meet new people locally.
In fact, a third (36%) have met a fellow dog walker who went on to become a friend, and more than a fifth (22%) say they stop off at coffee shops with others while walking their dog.
Among the parents surveyed, seven in 10 (71%) say it has increased their child’s sense of responsibility, while nearly two-fifths (37%) of employed dog owners say they now work from home more often thanks to their pet.
It also seems the word “walkies” might not only be setting tails wagging but could be leaving dog owners salivating at the thought of it leading to a treat for them too, turning Pavlov’s famous theory on its head.
As many as a third (31%) of dog owners are using ‘walkies’ to pay extra visits to the pub. In fact, the findings show a fifth (17%) will go to the pub with just their pet while out for a walk, making eight extra pub visits a year as a duo.
But dog ownership also comes with its challenges, with nail trimming (40%), teeth cleaning (38%), and training (37%) all described as being harder than expected.
With so much to do, almost three-quarters (72%) admit to forgetting certain dog care activities – and for dogs that spend time outdoors around wildlife such as hedgehogs and foxes, a lapse in flea and tick treatment (neglected by 15% of owners) can carry real consequences.
That’s where FRONTPRO® Chewable Tablets can support owners – the latest innovation from FRONTLINE®, the UK’s No.1 flea and tick treatment. Designed with busy owners in mind, the chewable tablet format offers a simple, effective way to make sure flea and tick protection is never the treatment that gets forgotten – developed to provide easy-to-give protection for all dogs.
Lindsey Wright, Head of Pet at Boehringer Ingelheim, says: “Prevention is the key in pet care. Too often, owners wait until symptoms appear before seeking help, but by then, their pet may already be suffering. That’s why a proactive approach can make a huge difference in a pet’s quality of life, whether that’s through regular vet check-ups, preventative treatments, or supplements.”