20+ Reasons We’re Thankful for Our Pets, From Their Hilarious Antics to Their Unconditional Love here is dog and Cat Quotes
20+ Reasons We’re Thankful for Our Pets, From Their Hilarious Antics to Their Unconditional Love
Few people need a specific holiday to express how they’re thankful for pets because our furry four-legged companions show us so much devotion every day. Consider Zoey Ann the boxer, breaking into a tremendous butt-wiggling dance when her people come home. Or Binx, a neighborhood cat who immediately befriended a young toddler during the pandemic.
Positive psychology research indicates regularly giving thanks makes us happier, and we’ll take any excuse—including the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday—to talk about all the reasons we’re thankful for our pets. We have 13 right here. How many are on your list?
1. They’re Loving Companions
Dogs learned to bond with humans thousands of years ago. Cats, despite the stereotypes, demonstrate in many ways how much they love us—some researchers say as much as dogs do. Of course, anyone who ever says, “I’m thankful for my cat” around the holiday table already knows this.
2. They Keep Us Laughing
Various antics such as rolling in the grass, chasing their tail, chattering at the window talking to birds, and sprawling across your computer keyboard are often just the comic relief we need.
3. They Keep Us Mentally Fit
Some studies suggest that cats and dogs boost the cognitive ability of people over 65. Routine walks with our pets and daily playtime help keep our brains sharp as we age. Not to mention they’re plenty of fun for us as well.
4. Routine Benefits Us In Other Ways, Too
Anyone who’s ever had a cat-butt alarm in the morning understands that pets know exactly when to get us up and moving. They can’t really “tell time,” but we still show up each day to meet their mental and physical needs, feed them promptly, and provide essential care. It fosters a sense of purpose for people of all ages.
5. They Help Reduce Stress
Researchers believe walking your dog or even simply petting an animal for as little as 10 minutes reduces stress. Some studies even suggest that dogs can detect our stress and provide sloppy kisses at just the right moment.
6. Our Mental Health Is Better
People managing anxiety or depression symptoms might say they’re thankful for pets because of all the ways fuzzy friends add to their wellbeing. From the healing power of cat purrs to a playtime-induced rise in natural “feel good” brain chemicals oxytocin and dopamine, there are several worthwhile effects pets have on our state of mind.
7. So Is Our Physical Health
We know we need to move more, so another reason to be thankful for dogs is because while we often get our steps in by default, they really need daily exercise. Seeing the joy and happiness our dogs experience on walks doesn’t hurt, either. The medical community offers plenty of data confirming dog owners have better cardiovascular health, and there’s additional research that points to how affection from dogs helps ease chronic pain. So teach your dog (and your cat!) new tricks and explore active fun together.
8. They’re Up for Just About Anything
Speaking of exploring, is it any wonder our pets’ dedication makes us want to take them everywhere? From a paragliding Samoyed to an intrepid adventure cat, consistent positive reinforcement training encourages our pets to trust us more, want to learn, and share in our travels, whether hiking a new trail or going kayaking.
9. They Provide Endless Comfort
Therapy dogs and cats are the best. Whether bringing joy to children in hospitals or helping pet parents manage their daily health, therapy and service animals continually astound us with their innate compassion and dedication to keeping their humans well.
10. They Offer a Social Connection
When the Human Animal Bond Research Institute interviewed pet owners for its research, an overwhelming 80 percent said they feel less lonely because of their animal companions, and more than 50 percent said their furballs are a gateway to essential interaction with others, too. We totally get it: When people gather at a dog park, they usually chat while their pups scamper around. Cats in bookstores and cat cafes give us a chance to branch out, too.
11. They Can Do Amazing Things
Hero animals add to our inspiration in so many ways. We can’t help but be impressed by the cat who chased off burglars or the Labrador retriever who alerted rescuers to his owner’s plight with his barks. Stories like these cause viral floods because we want to be moved by all the good animals do in the world.
12. They Teach Us To Care Deeply
The opportunity to love another creature so deeply causes heartbreak when they cross the rainbow bridge, but most of us are so thankful for our pets, we choose to do it again and again. Maybe it’s because we’re certain of their deep well of emotion, often displayed when they mourn the loss of their humans, animal companions, and offspring.
13. Their Unconditional Love Is an Honor
The unwavering love our pets give us truly can’t be denied. It’s humbling, and we’re forever grateful for it. They see us at our best and worst, but never judge, and boost our self-worth with each nuzzle and head butt. How can you make your relationship stronger? Use daily techniques to bond with your cat and dog, and your list will get even longer.
Thanksgiving is a time of reflection. For many of us, it is a time to appreciate the beings that enrich our lives. This Thanksgiving, we encourage pet parents to put the gratitude expressed for their fur babies into action. Here are 10 ways to actively give thanks:
14. Find a New Walking Route
Offering a new place to explore can be mentally and emotionally stimulating for your dog. It can also help you stay more present on the walk. Perhaps try a new neighborhood or park. For more walking tips
15.Arrange a Play Date
Is your dog social? Do they have a favorite pooch (or maybe a kitty) they like to pal around with? What a great opportunity to create a special day of play. Contact the pet’s human and together make a list of activities your pets can do together – like tug of war, turns on an agility course, or a game of chase! If your pets are feeling mellow, maybe just a fancy snack time, picnic blanket and all. The goal is, of course, for them to have fun and companionship.
16. Offer Some Silver Vine to Your Cat
It is estimated that only 50% of cats respond to catnip. What to do if you wish to provide that euphoric feeling for your cat? The answer – try silver vine! This climbing plant, found in the mountainous regions of China and Japan, is also known as Matatabi. Silver vine, which contains an extra attractant for cats, gets its name from the beautiful silver-white leaves and flowers that blossom off of the fast-growing vine. The best part – nearly 80% of cats react to it.
17. A Homemade Thanksgiving Dinner!
Cooking for your pet can be joyful, satisfying and easier than you may think. Saying thank you with a nutritious and delicious meal, cooked with an extra dash of love, can feel like a warm embrace. Here are Thanksgiving Dinner recipes for both dogs and cats.
18.Extra-Long Play Session
Imagine being home all day with no stimulation. For many pets, this is reality. That’s why it’s so important to play with our cats and dogs upon returning from work or school. Not only does playtime provide a whole lot of fun and exercise, but it’s also a way to strengthen the bond between us and them. Do your best to schedule fun time daily. Perhaps start the new routine with an extra-long, extra-active play session!! Play until your pet wants to stop. You will both feel great!!
19. Go For a Ride In The Car
If your dog gets excited every time you ask, who wants to go for a ride in the car, then the reason why we included this suggestion is evident. With that said, take your pup on a new adventure! Something with a view –an active city, nature-filled rural area, or even by a beach. Fresh air feels good!
20. Read to Your Pet
The sound of your voice can be so reassuring, especially to an anxious, ill, or injured pet. Reading is also a soothing way to help a new pet get used to being near you, without all of the attention being on them. Many rescued cats immediately retreat under the bed of their new forever home. By reading to them each day, they begin to feel comfortable – and a bit curious. Once they do emerge from their ‘hiding’ spot, keep reading to them. It can help them continue to feel safe in their new space. You also benefit. Reading aloud can be calming and reduce stress. Kids can benefit from reading to pets, as well. Because the experience is mutually beneficial for kids and pets, many shelters across the country have instituted programs encouraging this interaction. Contact shelters in your area to learn more.
21. Give Your Fur Baby a Massage
One of the best ways to help prevent sore muscles and achy joints is by offering your pet a daily massage. This is true for dogs and cats of all ages. This quiet, tranquil time also helps you become more in tune with how your pet’s body feels and more sensitive thankful dog quotes to changes that can arise. Massage also helps strengthen the bond between you. Bonus: thankful dog quotes Massage Treatibles Topical Cream into paw pads and earflaps for extra calm.
22. Schedule a Wellness Exam
While this may not be your pet’s idea of a gift, thankful dog quotes a yearly physical is important. Unfortunately, more than half of cats and nearly a quarter of dogs only visit a veterinarian when suffering from a health issue. A great benefit to an annual exam is health conditions can be caught early and managed more easily. This can save pets from unnecessary discomfort and thankful dog quotes money for you!
What to expect: The veterinarian will check your pet’s eyes, ears, mouth, nose and vital signs, as well as feel for any abnormalities in various organs. thankful dog quotes Some exams include a urinalysis. For senior pets, blood work is also important. In addition, vaccines may be given. Work with your vet to establish a personalized schedule based on your pet’s specific needs. Many vaccines provide extended immunity and are not needed annually.
23. Proactively Ease Anxiety, Discomfort and More By Providing Treatibles
We have Organic Full Spectrum Hemp CBD products for every preference – Hard Chews for crunchers, Soft Chewables for chewers, Oils and Capsules for those who prefer pure oil, a Topical with fast-absorption for those who like the hands-on approach and Extra Strength CBD Chews, Chewables and Oils for pets that need more! Having a variety of Treatibles products on hand helps keep your pet excited about taking their CBD regimen!
Bonus: check out our new CBD-Free line – Happy Joints Mobility Pill Wrap Chewables for dogs and cats and Happy Tummy Probiotic Soft Chewables for dogs.
