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Adding a furry friend to the family? Learn the health benefits of owning a dog

Owning a dog can bring a lot of joy to your life. Many believe it can also improve your health. 10TV learned how:

COLUMBUS - Sometimes working out is easier with a friend.

Workout companions can come in all shapes and sizes… and breeds!

10TV talked with Dr. Mysheika Roberts, health commissioner for Columbus Public Health, about the benefits a dog can add to overall wellness.

“It’s always companionship and always someone who’s thinking about you and very excited for you to come home,” Dr. Roberts said.

Those are just a few of the benefits to having a four-legged friend in the family.

Dr. Roberts continued to explain that dogs can actually help improve their owners’ health.

“Dogs absolutely help with depression, with anxiety and with loneliness,” she said. “They're a good thing to have for your mental as well as your physical health.”

When it comes to physical health, the American Heart Association suggests adults get at least two hours and thirty minutes of physical activity every week.

Dr. Roberts says dogs can help with that.

“You have to walk the dog, you have to spend time with the dog and you have to run around and chase the dog so it helps you with your physical activity,” she said.

People aren’t the only ones who enjoy and need the physical activity either.

Dr. Roberts also explained it’s important dogs get their own regular exercise.

“I think it’s important that you walk your dog regularly and that they need that,” she said. “They need that outdoor time. If you are someone who doesn’t have a lot of time to walk your dog then I encourage you to make sure you have a yard or a dog park they can go to or send them to a doggy daycare where they can get a lot of interaction with other dogs.”

Find more information on the best exercises for dogs by clicking here.

Learn more about the health benefits dogs can bring their owners, as well as the best ways for dogs to get their own exercise, by attending the 2019 WAG! Fest.

WAG! Fest is Saturday, August 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prairie Oaks Metro Park.

Find more information on the event by clicking here.

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