Your Dog Can Improve Your Fitness

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Having a pet, especially a dog, can be good for your heart health. Research finds pet ownership lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promotes feelings of happiness and well-being, reduces stress, and can increase fitness levels. In addition to daily walks, find fun opportunities to get more fit with your dog. Here are a few ideas:

Beat the heat with a sprinkler play session.
Pack a picnic lunch and water for you and your pooch. Bring along toys that get everyone moving.
Take your pup for a swim at a dog-friendly beach or lake.
Step outside for a quick game of tug-of-war or fetch on the front lawn or in the backyard.
Try out a dog sport that gets you both moving, such as flyball.
Walk for a cause at a dog-friendly event for charity.

Discover how caring for your pets’ health can improve the health of everyone in the household at cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html.

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