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This article was written with the help of my pets. When I lost focus or started to tire, I grabbed my dogs’ leads and they happily joined me for some fresh air and a little outdoor adventure. I freely admit that my pets help my own health, productivity and happiness – and I hope I help them to be happy and healthy too.

It’s widely recognised that pets can help support humans’ – but the benefits should be mutual. Our pets are who deserve to be treated with care and respect, not as tools to support humans’ wellbeing to the detriment of their own.

Given that many countries, including the US and UK are currently facing an in both humans and pets, what can owners do to ensure they aren’t unintentionally damaging the health of their pets while relying on them for comfort and companionship?

Here are five ways for you and your pet to get healthier and happier together.

1. Rest and relaxation

Companion animals can help relieve . Research has shown that the physical presence of a dog can reduce humans’ and during a demanding task – more so than the presence of a family member or friend. However, people asked to undertake stressful tasks in the presence of a friendly, but unknown, animal .

Pets, then, can be an important source of comfort, security and support – – for their owners. But pets, too, find solace in their humans. They can be calmed by their presence and enjoy affection; however, intense human-animal interaction can also lead to , making them prone to aggression, fear and separation anxiety.

, too much handling , or inappropriate petting, can be stressful and frightening and lead to aggression or anxiety.

Some owners even prefer to share a bed with their pets. There are potential health implications for sleeping alongside an animal, including and of injury, disease transmission or allergies.

However, sleeping with your pet may also support as well as warmth, security, and companionship. Many pets to sleep in close proximity to others, so there might be a too.

2. Relationship building

Relationship building is essential for both owner and pet to maintain good health. A positive human-pet relationship is one that acknowledges for pet welfare and wellbeing. Conversely, dysfunctional relationships with pets can lead to trauma and . Caregivers with less friendly or poorly behaved dogs can suffer from .

It’s important to train pets using methods that help nurture a . This can also help both owner and pet have a more on life. that positive reinforcement training as opposed to punishment-based methods is the best approach for animal welfare and skills acquisition.

Strong human-pet relationships can often be seen in and animals. Therapy pets are linked to improvements in independence and reported wellbeing of their owners. Stroking and interacting with is beneficial for patients in , where pets can create a sense of normality, reduce boredom and help .

3. Making (two and four legged) friends

Taking your pet out for a walk might have more health benefits than just exercise.

Pets can friendships and relationships – and build a sense of community. Pet owners, for instance, are to get to know other people in their local area.

Why is this? Research suggests that pets have a profound effect on , helping with other pet owners and animal lovers.

Pet owners, then, are to experience loneliness and social isolation than people with no pets.

4. Dietary decisions

Vets agree that the average waistline of pets is . This mimics what is happening in the human population – and diet and exercise are two major contributory factors.

The incidence of obesity in pet dogs – but not cats – is linked to the , suggesting a . So, owners tend to unintentionally damage their pets’ health because of same poor diet and exercise habits that cause their own health issues.

By supporting people to make for their pets, it might also be possible to for the human.

Combining improved diet with regular exercise might of pets and people to a healthy size.

5. Walking for wellness

Regular physical activity is associated with , both for . Walking is cost effective and relatively accessible way for to improve the physical health and general wellbeing of both humans and their pets.

For example, have lower body masses and higher levels of physical activity than people without dogs, or those who do not walk the dogs they live with. Also, walking at least can ease back pain and reduce the risk of recurrence by half.

However, not everyone regularly walks their dog. This can be because of a lack of suitable places, safety concerns or even worries about their own or other dogs’ behaviour. Making facilities for all can encourage activity. This includes provision of “poo bins” to reduce dog fouling, that supports safe walking opportunities and restricted access to potentially sensitive areas such as children’s playgrounds.

Ultimately, living with a companion animal should be a , healthy and happy relationship. Following these five guidelines should help owners and their pets to find comfort and calm in each other and maintain a healthy weight and outlook.

Jacqueline Boyd is affiliated with The Kennel Club (UK) through membership, as Chair of the Activities Health and Welfare Subgroup and member of the Dog Health Group. Jacqueline is a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT #01583) and she also writes, consults and coaches on canine matters on an independent basis, in addition to her academic affiliation at Nottingham Trent University.