How a dog can help your health in the RGV

A dog gets you up in the morning, out the door, and talking to neighbors. In a region where so many families are dealing with diabetes, that daily push matters more than most people think.

The Valley's health numbers

Researchers at UTRGV's South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute found that about 30% of Mexican-American adults in the Valley have diabetes and another 25% have prediabetes. Around 60% have obesity. Statewide, about 11% of adult Texans have diabetes.

Walking every day is one of the simplest ways to help lower blood sugar and keep weight in check. The hard part is sticking with it. That's where a dog comes in.

A built-in workout buddy

A dog doesn't care if you're tired or it's Monday. They need a walk, so you go. A 2019 University of Liverpool study found dog owners were about four times more likely to meet the recommended 150 minutes of activity a week.

• Two 15-minute walks a day adds up to more than 3 hours a week
• Go early or after sunset to beat the heat, for you and their paws
• Need ideas? See dog-friendly spots in Brownsville

Good company for older adults

Living alone can get lonely, especially after retirement or losing a spouse. In a University of Michigan poll of pet owners 50 and older, 72% said their pet helps them enjoy life, 67% said it helps reduce stress, and 66% said it helps them feel loved.

A dog also gives the day a routine: breakfast, a walk, dinner, another walk. Having someone who depends on you is a reason to keep moving. And walking a dog is an easy way to meet neighbors.

Tip for seniors: an older, calm dog is often a better fit than a puppy. They're usually house-trained, less likely to pull, and happy with shorter walks.

Kids learn responsibility

Caring for a dog teaches kids that someone else depends on them. Give them jobs that fit their age:

• Ages 3 to 5: fill the water bowl and help pick out toys
• Ages 6 to 9: measure out food, brush the dog, and help on walks with an adult
• Ages 10 and up: walks, cleaning up the yard, and keeping track of meds and vet visits

Teach kids to ask before petting any dog they don't know, and to leave a dog alone while it eats or sleeps. Always supervise young kids with dogs.

Not sure you're ready? Foster first

Fostering lets you try life with a dog without a forever commitment. Many shelters and rescues cover food and vet care, so it can cost you little or nothing. See what it costs to foster in the RGV, or find local rescues looking for fosters.

There are thousands of dogs on Valley streets waiting for someone. Your next walking buddy might be one of them.

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