Dogsey

A recent study of more than 11,000 pregnant women found that dog owners are around 50 per cent more likely to achieve the recommended amount of exercise per day than non-dog owners. The study, published in the Public Library of Science One, is the first to examine whether dog walking helps encourage exercise in pregnant women.

The research was carried out by the University of Liverpool in collaboration with the University of Bristol, the WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition, and the University of South Carolina . Researchers believe health experts may find the results useful when offering health and fitness advice during pregnancy.

Dr Cari Westgarth, research leader from the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection and Global Health, said: “By not managing their weight and exercise, pregnant women risk unnecessary weight gain, as well as a difficult labour or weight problems for the child in later life.

“We found that owning one or more dogs was associated with pregnant women taking part in brisk walking on a regular basis, helping them to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of activity a week. Findings suggest that ownership of a dog provides some motivation to go for a walk, even during pregnancy.”

The researchers found no correlation between the weight of women with and without dogs. Dr Westgarth said: “This means that we need to look at how promotion of dog walking could be integrated into a wider strategy, which includes advice on healthy eating, to encourage exercise during pregnancy and reduce weight gain."