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Dog Owners Are Secretly Walking 1 Million More Steps a Year – And It’s Literally Saving Lives
Research consistently shows that dog owners tend to accumulate significantly more daily steps than those without dogs, with various studies estimating an extra 2,500 to 3,000 steps per day on average. This added movement often translates to roughly one million extra steps per year—equivalent to about 20–23 additional minutes of walking each day, primarily from routine dog walks.These regular walks deliver clear benefits for cardiovascular health, including improved heart fitness, reduced blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones, and better overall circulation. Even moderate daily activity like brisk dog walking (around 100+ steps per minute) helps lower stress levels, manage weight, control diabetes risk, and support long-term heart protection.
Beyond the step count, long-term studies link dog ownership—especially with consistent dog walking—to a lower risk of mortality. Meta-analyses and large cohort studies (including data from millions of people) have found dog owners face a reduced all-cause mortality risk, often around 24% lower compared to non-owners, with even stronger effects against cardiovascular death (up to 31% reduction in some analyses). In people who’ve already had heart attacks or strokes, dog ownership has been tied to better recovery outcomes and lower long-term death risk, possibly due to the combination of increased physical activity, social support from the pet, and stress reduction.
That said, while these associations are strong and backed by evidence from sources like the American Heart Association, Harvard research, and nationwide cohorts, lifestyle factors still matter enormously. Overall diet, smoking habits, other exercise routines, socioeconomic status, and personal health choices continue to play major roles in determining health outcomes. Dog ownership isn’t a magic fix, but the built-in motivation for daily walks makes it a powerful, enjoyable way to boost activity levels and potentially extend healthier years.So if you’re on the fence about getting a dog, the science suggests your future self (and your heart) might thank you for those extra steps! 
