Fun Activities for You and Your Pet
The following is a list of activities that you can do with your pet.
Visiting Pets and Animal Assisted Therapy
Visiting with animals can help people feel less lonely and depressed. Visits from animals can provide a welcome change from routine. Often, people become more active and responsive both during and after visiting with animals.
An animal visit can offer entertainment, or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity. People often talk to the animals, and share with them their thoughts and feelings and memories. Animal visits provide something to look forward to. Stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person's blood pressure. Petting increases motor skill ability by forcing people to use the arms and hands, turn and stretch.
Pets give people a common interest and provide a focus for conversation. Many people in hospitals or group homes have had to give up pet ownership and they miss the casual acceptance a pet gives them. A pet pays little attention to age or physical ability, but accepts people as they are. The benefits continue even after the visit.
A Day at the Park
Many communities now have "dog parks" which offer open spaces for your dog to run and socialize with other dogs. Make sure that your dog is supervised, and up to date on all vaccines, and that you are aware of all local ordinances before taking your dog to the park.
The Pampered Pet
Many pet stores will allow you to bring your pet with you while you shop. This can be an exciting adventure for your animal companion, and a great chance for socialization. As always, make sure that your animal is completely up to date on all vaccines, and that he/she is constantly supervised. If you begin this type of activity while your pet is young, it can aid tremendously in socialization skills. A social pet is a happy pet!
Play, Play, Play!
Even if you just stay at home, keep your pet active. It is good for both of you!
Amazing Pet Pictures
A Painted Cat From the book Why Paint Cats?
