Why a Dog Might Be Just the Answer You Need for Your Health and Fitness Woes

Now that it’s the new year, a lot of people are working to stick to their health and fitness related new year’s resolutions. If you’re feeling excited about health and weight loss goals but your motivation might be waning, there’s a motivation solution you can take advantage of that you might not expect: your dog. A pet dog may be just the answer you need for keeping you active, energetic, and working to reach your goals. Read on to learn about how having a furry friend at home can boost your health and fitness.

He Needs to Be Walked

If you have a pet dog, it’s important to prioritize his health. That means taking him to the vet for regular treatments (like heartworm and flea prevention), and ensuring that he gets regular exercise.  If you’re looking for a perfect prevention option for fleas, ticks, and heartworm all in one, read the Trifexis reviews.

Experts recommend that you walk your dog for 15 minutes, at least twice a day (at the bare minimum). So, having a dog can help ensure you get up off your couch and get your heart pumping. If you’re not in the mood, you can remind yourself it’s only a short half hour every day. However, most likely, once you get walking in the fresh air outdoors, you’ll want to keep moving for longer.

Dogs Help Control Stress Levels

Having a dog isn’t only fun, it’s also calming. Studies have shown that dogs can help control stress levels and that can ultimately have a positive impact on your body (like lowered blood pressure, etc.) By having a dog around to pet, laugh at, and cuddle with you can keep your body relaxed and ensure that stress doesn’t have a negative taxing effect on it.

Dogs Love to Play

Even if you don’t want to leave your house to walk your dog for long walks, it’s hard not to want to play with your dogs at home. Puppies naturally want to chase toys, wrestle, play tug of war, and more. If you naturally engage with your dog how he wants to, there’s a good chance that you’re going to be spending a part of the day on your feet and being active.

Dogs Can Help You Make Friends and Human Exercise Buddies

If you’re a shy person who has a hard time making friends, dogs can be just the ice breaker you need. Taking your dog to a dog park or walking a dog on a dog-friendly trail can end up being an opportunity to spark a conversation with other dog lovers. With a love of dogs in common, you may just end up making a new friend then having a buddy who will also want to exercise, walk or be active with you. This can be especially fun if your two dogs have a good rapport or become particularly bonded.

If you have a pet dog, you can expect to make a lot of wonderful memories, and to have a cuddle buddy to take advantage of. But, what you might not have realized is that you may also have the perfect fitness partner, too. By taking advantage of opportunities to exercise your dog and stay active, you and your pet can enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life together.