The 4 Things You Should Be Doing For Your Dog

And these things will benefit you, as well.

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Published March 13, 2026
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One of my favorite parts of returning home after a long day is the enthusiasm my dog shows the moment I walk through the door — the cuddles we share as he leaps up to greet me. His unconditional love, loyalty and trust are something I’ve never taken for granted, and the joy he brings is immeasurable.

There's ample research demonstrating that spending quality time with our dogs benefits our health in numerous ways, from boosting our immune system to improving our mental wellbeing. According to the Mayo Clinic, pets help reduce work-related stress and manage anxiety. They combat loneliness by providing companionship and social connections, and they allow us to manage our weight by keeping us active. What's not to love? 

In many ways, dogs require the same physical and emotional care that humans do to live fulfilling lives. Taking care of them reminds us to take care of ourselves, which means sticking to a healthy diet and exercise plan, getting enough rest to de-stress, and setting aside time for fun activities and new adventures.

Conscientious dog owners anticipate their pets' needs and do their best to extend their furry friends' longevity. Here are four things you should do routinely for your dog that will also (surprisingly) benefit your health:

1. Regular Socializing

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Dogs need ongoing social interaction to respond calmly to others without fear or aggression. Regular socialization also teaches them appropriate behavior while building confidence, trust and adaptability in their environment — just as it does for their owners. Social interaction is vital to our health (and our dogs’), and the connection associated with pet ownership is linked to improved physical and mental wellbeing. Their companionship combats loneliness, and caring for them gives us a sense of purpose. 

According to the American Kennel Club, researchers have found that 40 percent of dog owners report it is easier to make friends than non-dog owners. Why? Dogs bring us into the community, providing plenty of opportunities to meet neighbors and other dog owners. They make us seem more approachable and are great conversation starters, especially while visiting a dog park. If your dog is sociable, chances are you will be too, leading to a better quality of life for both of you!

2. Daily Exercise

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Regular exercise significantly improves the immune system, and walking your pup daily is a great way to enhance both your dog's and your own physical and mental health. Pet owners know the importance of getting their canine buddies outside every day for sun and fresh air — dogs thrive on spending time outdoors. Walking, jogging or playing a vigorous game of catch with your dog reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain cancers. But the benefits don't stop there: regular physical activity with your dog will help lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, improve your cholesterol, strengthen bones, muscles and joints, and even help you achieve better sleep. Studies have also shown that dog ownership decreases anxiety and depression. 

When my pup approaches me with a ball in his mouth and a playful look, he reminds me it's time to get off the couch and move — to keep us both healthy and happy while spending quality time together.  

3. Rest and Quiet Time to Decompress

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While playtime is important for a dog, so is rest. This also applies to their owners, since downtime plays a big role in self-care. When my pup is tired, he simply heads to his doggy bed and sprawls out for a quick snooze.  There was a time when I felt guilty about taking a midday nap, but following my dog's example, I've discovered the benefits of rest. Our bodies need this time to repair muscles and recharge our energy levels. Rest also gives our brains an opportunity to reset after a busy day and to process any stress on our systems. More importantly, rest helps us maintain a healthy immune system. 

Thanks to my dog, I'm prioritizing rest in my schedule and feeling more energized than ever before.

4. Be Proactive About Health

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On average, your dog will need one to two veterinary visits per year for wellness checks and vaccines (more if illnesses are detected). As a dog owner, you are the only one who can advocate for your dog's health, but are you advocating for your own? I'm diligent about scheduling my pup's annual bloodwork and vaccines, as early detection of potential health issues is key to extending his longevity.

The same goes for humans. I stay up to date on preventive care — annual physical exams, vaccines and screenings — to maintain my health. It's also a great way to build trust with my physician and makes future visits for minor illnesses and prescription refills more accessible. 

Pet owners who follow these four simple steps have seen improvements not only in their dog's; overall health but also in their own. My pup has taught me the value of mindfulness and gratitude, which has encouraged my positive approach to life. The benefits of his companionship have been numerous, and for this reason, I can't imagine my world without a dog in it. 

Marcia Kester Doyle is a Yahoo Life Columnist and the author of Who Stole My Spandex? Life In The Hot Flash Lane. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, The Independent, Stylist, U.S.A. Today/Reviewed, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, AARP, Woman's Day, Country Living, House Beautiful, and many others. You can find her at marciakesterdoyle.com.