It’s no secret that pets can make great companions. They provide us with love, affection, and loyal companionship. In return, they rely on us for their basic needs like food, water, shelter, and healthcare. But did you know that playing with your pet is just as important for their well-being as meeting their physical needs?
Think about it – when was the last time you played with your pet? If you’re like most pet owners, the answer is probably “not recently enough.” We get busy with work, family obligations, and other commitments and our furry friends often get left out. But making time to play with your pet is essential to their health and happiness.
Spending time with your pet can be a great way to have fun, but playing with your pet can also have some pretty impressive benefits for both of you. Here are just a few reasons why it’s important to play with your pet:
Why It’s Important to Play With Your Pet
- It Keeps Them Mentally Stimulated
Just like us humans, our pets need mental stimulation to stay sharp and happy. When you play with your pet, you are giving them the opportunity to use their brain power to figure out how to catch or defeat you (depending on the game). This helps to keep their minds active and engaged, which can stave off boredom and depression. Border Collies and Bordoodle puppies especially need mental stimulation to keep them happy and content.
- It Keeps Them Physically Active
Of course, playing also provides your pet with much-needed physical activity. Depending on the game, they may be running, jumping or chasing after you or a toy. This exercise is important for their overall health and wellbeing, helping to keep their muscles strong and their weight at a healthy level. Staffies, Dalmatians, and Bordoodles are breeds known for needing a lot of exercise.
- It Strengthens the Bond Between You and Your Pet
When you spend time playing with your pet, you are reinforcing the bond between the two of you. They will see you as someone who is fun and loving, and someone who they can rely on for companionship. In turn, this will make them more likely to come to you for comfort and security when they need it.
- It Can Help You Live Longer
Studies have found that people who owned dogs were less likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those who didn’t own dogs. And while it is impossible to say definitively that playing with your dog will help you live longer, it’s certainly possible that the increased physical activity and social interaction that comes with playing with your pet could have positive effects on your health.
- It Can Help You Stay Fit
If you’re looking for a fun way to get some exercise, playing with your pet is a great option. Not only will you get to enjoy some quality time with your furry friend, but you’ll also get your heart rate up and burn some calories in the process. Walking your dog is another great way to get some exercise, but playing fetch or Frisbee is a great way to add some variety to your routine and have a little more fun.
- It Can Help Reduce Stress Levels
Spending time with your pet can help reduce stress levels, which is good for both your mental and physical health. One study found that people who spent just 10 minutes stroking a dog had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who didn’t spend any time with a dog. So next time you’re feeling stressed out, consider taking a break to play with your pet.
- It Can Help Improve Your Mood
Playing with your pet can also help improve your mood, which can have all sorts of positive ripple effects on other areas of your life. One study found that people who interacted with therapy dogs had lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms than those who didn’t interact with therapy dogs. So if you’re feeling down, spending some time playing with your pet could be just what you need to pick yourself back up again.
- It Can Help You Meet People and Make Friends
If you’re looking for a new social circle, playing with your pet can be a great way to meet people and make friends. Walking your dog around the neighbourhood is a great way to strike up conversations with other dog owners, and going to the park or attending doggy playdates are also great options for meeting new people who share your love of pets. Who knows – you might even make some lifelong friends in the process!
So next time you’re feeling stressed out or down, consider spending some quality time playing with your pet. It’s good for their health and yours. For many pet owners, it’s a major reason why they got a pet in the first place. The companionship of a loyal and devoted pet is priceless, and most pets are only with us for a short time in the grand scheme of things. Playing with your pet can also be a doorway into new friendships and communities that you wouldn’t have otherwise encountered.
