Yoga is known around the world for its emotional, mental, and physical benefits, but humans aren’t the only ones who can enjoy the advantages of this ancient practice. Pets can benefit, too! You can practice “doga” with the pup in your home, but you can also do yoga with other animals. This is a unique way for a pet owner to deepen their bonds with furry family members while also promoting improved health and wellness. From improving flexibility and reducing stress to stronger connections between humans and animals, yoga can help people and members of the animal kingdom alike.
Table of Contents
Yoga Benefits for Humans
The holistic practice of yoga should integrate mindfulness, movement, and breathwork, and the benefits include lower anxiety, less stress, better strength and flexibility, enhanced mental clarity, and support for heart health. When you integrate this ancient practice into your daily life, you’ll possibly lower your cortisol levels, boost mobility and balance, and improve your cardiovascular function and blood pressure. Enjoying an improved sense of wellness yourself benefits your pets, given how many animals respond to or reflect the physical and emotional states of their owners.
Yoga Benefits for Pets
Animals, especially cats and dogs, can benefit from doing yoga-style movements in a calming environment. Gentle massage and stretching can relax a pet, particularly if they’re an anxious animal or a high-energy breed. Guided movements in older pets can help with joint mobility and stiffness. The best benefit is likely to be a deeper connection with their human owners. Incorporating gentle yoga techniques friendly to pets means you can help your furry companion enjoy these advantages and more.
Practicing With Your Pet
While human yoga involves specific poses, you don’t want to force your pet into particular stances. In most cases, you probably wouldn’t be able to do so without rigorous training. What they can learn and enjoy is relaxation and the mindfulness experience. Pick a quiet, comfortable spot where you both feel safe; encourage gentle movements that stretch their back or legs if they’re okay with it. Practice your own slow-deep breathing to calm yourself and your pet, and let your pet rest at your side during gentle poses and meditation so they absorb your calming energy. While leaning into specific poses can make yoga feel physically good, yoga with pets should emphasize connection and mindfulness. Just sitting together quietly in restorative yoga poses can have a profound impact on your pet’s relationship.
Find a Place for Your Mat
Whether you practice at home or join classes at a yoga center, rolling out your mat for a sound yoga practice is a powerful way to enhance your well-being. You can practice at home with your pets or bring calm and serenity into your residence, helping them enjoy more time with you. Relaxation, shared mindfulness, and movement help you and your furry family members improve health, create peace, and strengthen bonds. The next chance you get, roll your mat out, get your pet to join you, and explore the benefits of yoga with each other.