26/02/2026
As most of you are aware, I’m passionate about the physical and mental wellbeing of the dogs I walk.
Recently, I took part in a medical experiment with the Daily Mail in association with the University of Surrey. Six of us wore light-tracking devices to measure our real daily light exposure — not just time spent “outside,” but the actual intensity of light we experienced at home and work.
This is simply my reflection on the experience, but I found the results fascinating!
Large population studies in the UK, US and Europe consistently show people spend around 80–90% of their time indoors. Even when we think we’re getting plenty of daylight, the intensity of indoor lighting is usually only a small fraction of natural outdoor light — even on a cloudy day. From a circadian biology perspective, that difference is meaningful.
What really stood out to me was how much light influences wellbeing.
Natural daylight plays an important role in regulating our circadian rhythm — our internal body clock — which helps control:
• Sleep timing and quality
• Energy and alertness
• Mood
• Hormone patterns
Bright light therapy is widely used for seasonal low mood, and studies show that getting brighter light — particularly earlier in the day — can support better sleep and daytime alertness.
And while dogs aren’t humans, they share the same fundamental circadian biology. Like us, they rely on light–dark cycles to help regulate their daily rhythms. Although most of the research has been done in people, it is biologically plausible that natural daylight exposure plays a role in canine wellbeing too.
From what I see every day with my team, regular outdoor walks offer far more than just physical exercise — something well supported in animal behaviour science.
Walks provide:
• Mental stimulation
• Lots of important sniffing opportunities (which are hugely important for dogs)
• Chances to think, explore, and problem-solve
• A consistent routine, which helps them feel secure and settled
A quick garden toilet break isn’t quite the same as a proper walk with fresh air, natural light and new surroundings.
From a behavioural enrichment perspective, a garden:
• Has limited novelty
• Provides less varied sensory stimulation
• Often becomes predictable quickly
That said, for some dogs (elderly, anxious or reactive), structured garden enrichment can still be beneficial — but generally, varied walks provide more stimulation.
Of course, none of this is medical advice — just my takeaway from the article and my experience working with dogs. But it was a powerful reminder that daily walks aren’t just about steps and burning energy. They support overall wellbeing — for us and our four-legged friends 🐶
If your dog could benefit from more structured daylight, enrichment, and a consistent routine during the week, I’d love to help. I’m always happy to chat about what would best support your dog’s individual needs.
📩 Message me on 07974 728967 or visit www.petpatrol365.co.uk.
Zita x
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15585715/daily-habit-slim-diabetes-cancer-experiment-routine-discovery
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