The Joyful Benefits of Doing Yoga with Your Pet: Movement, Mindfulness & Mutual Love

Written by Jackie Paunil, Creator of the Young Heart Yoga App, E-RYT, RPYT, CHC, MFA

Empowering older adults to move, breathe, and thrive with grace and vitality.

Let’s be honest: pets have already mastered downward dog. So why not let them inspire us to do the same?

Yoga with pets—playfully called doga when practiced with dogs—may sound like a passing trend, but science says otherwise. For adults 45 and up, especially those entering their golden years, incorporating a furry friend into your yoga practice may offer surprising benefits for both body and soul.

Pawsitive Vibes Only: The Science Behind the Snuggles

Human-animal interaction is more than feel-good fluff. Research shows it triggers oxytocin release, lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), and promotes a sense of calm and connection (Beetz et al., 2012). When combined with the mindful breath and gentle movement of yoga, the effect can be truly transformational.

That mutual gaze with your pup? It’s chemically soothing. The light purr of a cat curled beside you in Savasana? It’s sound healing with whiskers.

Movement that Motivates

Older adults sometimes face a drop in motivation when it comes to regular exercise, but pets offer a gentle nudge—sometimes quite literally. Whether you're flowing on your mat or simply stretching beside your dog, shared movement can reinforce consistency and make practice more enjoyable.

Pets also offer natural social connection and emotional support. One study found that animals not only help reduce physiological stress but also lower behavioral distress during unfamiliar or potentially stressful experiences (Nagengast et al., 1997). Yoga poses next to a purring companion? Sounds like stress relief with a tail-wagging bonus.

Why This Matters More As We Age

As we move through the decades, staying active, connected, and emotionally well becomes vital. Companion animals help foster engagement, reduce loneliness, and support emotional regulation—particularly among older adults (Gee et al., 2017). Pair that with yoga’s well-documented benefits for balance, mobility, and cognition, and you’ve got a recipe for graceful, grounded aging.

Plus, let’s face it: life feels just a little better when there’s a warm nose nudging you during your meditation.

Tips for Starting a Pet-Friendly Yoga Practice

• Keep it playful: This isn’t about perfect poses—it's about connection.

• Honor your pet’s cues: If they want to join, great. If they nap nearby, also perfect.

• Use soft, pet-friendly props: Mats, blankets, and bolsters are just as inviting for them as they are for you.

• Respect boundaries: Not all pets love yoga time—but many are happy to simply be close.

  
  

Ready to bring more joy, love, and lighthearted connection into your wellness routine? Download the Young Heart Yoga App and explore guided practices you can share with your furry co-pilot. Because yoga—and life—is better together. 🐾

About the Author

Jackie Paunil is a published author, wellness advocate, and creator of the Young Heart Yoga App, designed for active and older adults seeking balance, vitality, and mindfulness. With certifications including E-RYT, RPYT, CHC, and an MFA, Jackie combines her extensive training and life experience to inspire others to live with purpose and wellness.

Residing on a ranch in Casa Grande, Arizona, Jackie leads an organic lifestyle surrounded by animals she adores. She is a devoted wife, mother, proud “GiGi” to her grandchildren, and a world traveler who has explored the depths as a master scuba diver. Her in-person yoga and meditation classes, alongside her app, reflect her passion for helping others thrive. Jackie's teaching philosophy is grounded in her own holistic practices, empowering students to embrace sustainable, joyful movement and mindfulness for a more vibrant life.

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References

• Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234

• Nagengast, S. L., Baun, M. M., Megel, M., & Leibowitz, J. M. (1997). The effects of the presence of a companion animal on physiological arousal and behavioral distress in children during a physical examination. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 12(6), 323–330. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0882-5963(97)80058-9

• Gee, N. R., Mueller, M. K., & Curl, A. L. (2017). Human–animal interaction and older adults: An overview. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1416. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01416