Pets force you to go out and have fun. Sometimes it’s so easy to just sit on the couch and binge-watch your favorite shows on Netflix. With a dog in the house, there’s no way you can do that without feeling guilty for your furry friend. Dogs need their time outdoors. 

Dogs need to walk, sniff, and meet other dogs and this means you need to go out for walks. Walking the dog is a great form of exercise that comes with its own set of health benefits.

It might take some getting used to, especially if daily walks were not part of your daily routine, but do it often enough and you’ll find yourself looking forward to daily walks with Fido. 

This means that if you’re struggling to lose weight or just want to be healthier overall, having a dog can be great motivation. Owning a dog also promotes the production of oxytocin, a bonding hormone that is released every time you have positive interactions with your dog. Oxytocin has been shown to produce metabolic effects that can help you keep your weight under control. 

Plus, having a pet gets you outside which means you have more opportunities for socialization with others. It’s so easy to ignore people when you’re out jogging by yourself especially if you have headphones on. However, if you have your dog with you are more likely to get stopped for pets and conversations with other pet owners. 

Your pet also opens up more opportunities to expand your networks. With a pet you can join dog lovers groups at the park, volunteer to pet sit for neighbors, go for playdates with other pet owners, and the like.

All these are effective ways to keep your social ties strong. Daily brisk walks can also boost endorphin production. These hormones keep your mood up and may even prevent depression.