Top 5 Pet Meditative Activitie

Most pets (dogs in particular) possess an impressive ability to run around at top speed, dig holes and greet houseguests with unparalleled enthusiasm. At the end of a long day, many pets like to kick back as much as we do. Although a glass of wine and a bubble bath is out of the question for an animal, there are many relaxing activities that we can share with our pets.

Common sense alone tells us that owning a pet can make a person happy. After all, companionship in the form of a cuddly, non-judgmental friend with a pleasantly wet nose is rare and appreciated. For proof-seekers, there's no lack of scientific evidence. Studies have repeatedly shown that owning a pet increases the levels of "happy hormones" like oxytocin, which promotes relaxation and an overall Zen feeling. In addition, pet ownership is believed to lower blood pressure and decrease levels of cortisol, a damaging hormone that's linked to anxiety and depression. Read on for a list of five meditative activities that can strengthen the pet-owner bond and relax both you and your furry friend.

5: Pet Massage

All that napping, playing and day-to-day stress can quickly produce anxiety, sore muscles or an aching back in an active pet. Massage is one low-cost, low-key way to relax, encourage trust and strengthen the emotional bond between pets and owners. For animals with extreme health problems or injuries, pet massage is best left to the professionals. But owners interested in performing pet massage themselves have a multitude of sources to choose from. Veterinarians can provide a basic tutorial on pressure points, strokes and other technical guidance. Books, videos and Web sites are also available for at-home practitioners to learn the fundamentals. Experts recommend that novice massagers tread lightly in the beginning, keeping an eye out for any warning sign that the pet isn't enjoying the experience, such as growling, flinching or tensing. The gentle pressure of massage, coupled with a calm atmosphere, can put the wag back in the tail of a previously sore or anxious animal.

4: Doga (Dog Yoga)

Pooches who have tired of traditional exercise can now turn to doggie yoga, the canine craze that's sweeping exercise venues around the world. This popular form of exercise that encourages mental and physical stimulation, flexibility and strength in humans has recently branched out to include canine companions in many locations. Although dogs may not expect to achieve all the same physical benefits as humans, they can achieve a stronger emotional connection with their owners. Dogs will also benefit from an increased range of motion, thanks to the gentle massage incorporated in most classes. Owners of Labrador retrievers and other large dogs might want to stick to walks and games of fetch, since many poses require owners to fully support the weight of their animal.

3: Walk the Dog

Many dog owners, exhausted from day-to-day life, often skip walks in favor of letting a pet run around in the backyard. Many fail to realize that a short walk around the block (waste bags in hand, of course) can be soothing for canine and human alike. For owners, the walk is a time to decompress from the stressors of work, traffic and the like. The next time you head out for a stroll, take a cue from Fido. Rather than chatting on your cell phone or rushing the experience, choose instead to indulge your senses by breathing in the fresh air and observing nature. Owners of tiny dogs or puppies should reign in their enthusiasm, as some breeds' little legs can't handle long distances. This daily quality time easily allows owners and dogs the opportunity to reconnect with each other.

2: Grooming

Although some animals genuinely detest grooming and don't find it relaxing in the least, the majority craves this one-on-one contact with their human, which feels kind of like a good petting session. Brushing or grooming a dog, cat or other furry friend is probably the best way to lower cortisol levels and reduce stress in pets and owners alike. Because coats vary in texture and length by breed, it's wise to research specific grooming needs and techniques before beginning. For example, some animals only require a good brushing once a week, whereas others are more high-maintenance. Animals with an aversion to grooming may require a little more paw-holding. To ease them into the experience, experts recommend that owners speak quietly and calmly while brushing their pet. With a little bit of practice and adjustment, most animals will run to their owner rather than for the door when the brush comes out.

1: Vacationing

Sometimes all the leisurely walks in the world won't take the place of a true vacation. Rather than kennel your best friend or leave it with a caretaker, consider taking your pet along on the adventure. This fairly new option has been facilitated by the wide acceptance of animals as true members of the family, rather than second-class citizens. From cottages and mid-grade hotels to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New York, many options are available for pets and owners to enjoy a well-deserved getaway. Some accommodations offer basic animal amenities, while others roll out the red carpet by providing toys, treats and even pet birthday cakes for an extra fee. Your pet will probably appreciate the change of scenery as much as you.