Aside from the obvious benefits of spending all day with a bunch of cute barking friends, walking your dog is good for your health in many ways.
For those of us who sit at desks all day or have to work inside, the idea of a job like walking dogs, where you get to be outside and move around, can be very appealing.
But dog walkers get much more for their health than just daily exercise and fresh air. Here are a few more good reasons why walking dogs is a good job.
Whether you already walk dogs for a living or are thinking about doing so, it's nice to know that it's a healthy job for more reasons than might be obvious at first. Let's take a look at why walking our dogs is so good for our health and happiness.
It involves physical
Yes, I know it's pretty clear, but it's still a big deal. Many people who work in the pet industry are unable to get enough exercise because they are too busy. Still, every time you take a client's dog for a walk, you get the health perks of exercise.
So, while many professionals have to make themselves stop at the gym after work, dog walkers can unwind at the end of the day. Plus, because dog walkers are usually always on the move, they are less likely to get diseases like heart disease, obesity, or diabetes that are linked to an inactive lifestyle.
Walking a dog can help relieve stress
Stress causes worry, trouble sleeping, and general tiredness right away, but its long-term effects can be fatal. Stress that lasts for a long time can cause heart attacks, strokes, and long-term depression, among other major health problems.
Now think of two things that people say help them relax. The answer is to work out regularly and have pets as friends. Both of these benefits come from walking a dog, which means less stress and a healthier, happier life.
Good for the general mental health
People can be annoying for a lot of different reasons. So, if you look at a job in an office and a job walking dogs, it's easy to see why a dog walker might have better mental health.
After all, there are no office politics, no bullying, no bosses who talk down to you, and no annoying coworkers. Dog walkers spend most of their time outside with happy dogs with wagging tails.
Also, many studies have shown that just being around animals and touching them can make people feel less stressed, lower their blood pressure, and make them happier.
Being able to socialize
Even though you spend most of your day walking dogs, there are still plenty of chances to meet new people. You can meet and talk to other people who walk dogs or take care of pets. There's a chance you'll meet your client's family or neighbors.
So, how do all these social activities affect the health of a dog walker? It's a well-known fact (and there are studies to prove it!) that social interactions improve mental health by providing emotional support. This, in turn, may help reduce bad behaviors and poor physical health in some ways.
Maintain work-life balance
Last but not least, walking dogs can be a great way to work and take care of your family at the same time. That doesn't mean that all dog walkers have a great routine that gives them a lot of "me" time, though. But working as a dog walker does allow many people to make their own schedules.
This can be good for your health in many ways. Not only can you avoid the stress of having to be at work at a certain time, but you can also make a schedule that gives you plenty of time to rest.
Overall, we know that walking a dog isn't a walk in the park, but it does give you the freedom to get some benefits that can be good for your health and well-being.