Anyone who owns a dog knows the joy, love, and therapy that a four-legged friend can bring to their master. Folks of course realize this and put in their best efforts to make sure their dog is well-fed, loved, happy, and healthy. Some folks will tell you that dogs or any pet for that matter is just as precious and deserves just as much love as children. Who could argue that one?

Even with all of the love and care that pet owners put into their dog's well being there are still some states in the U.S. that slack or are lazy when it comes to their dog's health particularly dog-walking responsibilities. The team at OneVet which is an online pet service surveyed over 2,100 dog owners across the country to find out how many times they walk their dogs in an average week.

Get our free mobile app

The good news is Massachusetts came in the top 10 (#8 to be exact) as we Bay Staters average 8.78 walks per week which is 22.40% above the national average according to the study. That's a pretty good ranking but wouldn't you love to see Massachusetts higher up the list? Not only does the activity of dog walking keep canines happy and in shape, but dog owners also reap healthy, weight loss benefits while improving cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It's a big win for both humans and pooches.

We know that Massachusetts clocked in at #8 but how did the rest of the U.S. do? We included a graphic from the study below.

You can get complete details on the study by going here.

It's a perfect time for a walk. Your pup will thank you.

How about some more fun facts about canines? 

KEEP LOOKING: See What 50 of America's Most 'Pupular' Dog Breeds Look Like as Puppies

 

Want more dog fun? Watch out for these breeds? 

LOOK: The least obedient dog breeds

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

More From WUPE