EthanAlmighty supports the American Heart Association's Heathy Bond for Life initative! 

Spending time with your pet can be relaxing, encouraging the release of endorphins, which are brain chemicals that help us de-stress and feel good. And petting a beloved animal can even help lower your blood pressure.

Make the most of dog ownership.

Here are some tips to make the most of your four-legged companion time:

• Play and interact with your pooch to get the most health benefits — for both of you.
• Get moving with your pet. You’ll both get exercise and fresh air, and you may find yourself meeting other dog owners in your area. Socializing can be a good thing.
• Hit the road. Love to travel? Your dog might too. Research pet-friendly hotels so you and your furry friend can go on adventures together. 
• Savor the snuggles. Give lots of scratches behind the ears, belly rubs or good old-fashioned head pats. The more you love your pet, the more they’ll love you back. 

Your pet is more than a companion:

• Owning a pet may change habits that can lead to weight loss.
• Dog owners are more likely to fit in the recommended physical activity than those who don’t have a dog.
• Get moving with your pet indoors or outdoors. You’ll both get exercise, and you may find yourself meeting other dog owners in your area. Socializing can be a good thing.
• Dog parents are more likely to reach their fitness goals than those without canine companions.
• In fact, dog parents are 34% more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking a week than non-dog owners.

If you don’t have a pet in your life, consider adopting or fostering one, especially during American Heart Month. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and Mars Petcare, market research reinforces the social bond between humans and pets. In fact, 80% of pet owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely. Eighty-five percent of pet owners and non-pet-owners believe interacting with a companion animal can help reduce loneliness, while 76% agree human-animal interactions can help address social isolation.

So what are you waiting for?

Learn more about heart health — and learn more about shelters near you where you can adopt a pet or ask about fostering. You might just form a healthy bond for life.