If you have a dog, you already know how a walk can lift your spirits — fresh air, wagging tails, and a little sunshine can brighten any day.
For people living with PARKINSON’S DISEASE, time spent walking your dog can do something even more special — it can help them move more easily and feel more confident.
In Belgium, two groups, Parkili and Action Parkinson, launched a project called “Dogs for Parkinson.” Together with AbbVie, they organize dog-walking events in different cities to bring people together and show how healing simple movement can be.
Dr. Olivier Bouquiaux, who works with people with Parkinson’s, says walking a dog isn’t just fun — it’s therapy. “When the dog gently pulls on the leash, it helps the person keep walking and prevents freezing,” he explains. “And being outside makes you feel good inside, too.”
Dr. Bouquiaux believes that staying active — through walking, dancing, and other forms of movement — can make a huge difference in daily life. That’s why he started programs like Fit Your Mind and Care to Dance, where people with Parkinson’s can move, laugh, and connect.
As he puts it: “Exercise is the best natural medicine. It keeps you strong, happy, and full of life.”
So next time you take your dog for a walk, remember: it’s more than just a routine — it might be one of the simplest, most uplifting forms of therapy.
