Paws and Poses: Gentle Yoga You Can Do With Your Fur Baby

image of a women and her puppy doing yoga together

Why Yoga With Your Pet?

If you’ve ever rolled out a yoga mat, you know how quickly your furry friend wants to join in. From curious sniffs to tail-wagging encouragement, your pet’s presence can make your wellness routine even more uplifting.

Pet yoga (sometimes called doga) blends gentle stretches, mindful breathing, and the companionship of your four-legged best friend. It’s not about nailing perfect poses; it’s about connection, joy, and a little laughter along the way.

Gentle yoga can be a powerful tool in easing some of the common side effects that come with a breast cancer journey. Fatigue, for example, often lingers long after treatment, and while rest is important, mindful movement can be just as restorative. Flowing through slow, intentional poses in rhythm with your breath helps awaken the body, boost energy, and lift your mood.

Preparing for a Fur-Friendly Yoga Session

Before you start, make sure you and your pet have a calm, safe space.

  • Choose a quiet area with minimal distractions.

  • Use a sturdy mat for traction (for both paws and bare feet).

  • Have water handy, as stretching is thirsty work for humans and pets.

If your pet isn’t used to yoga time, start slow. Encourage them to join you without forcing participation; sometimes they’ll nap next to you, other times they’ll join in the fun.

If you and your furry friend are new to pet yoga, we recommend exploring this YouTube series for a fun and gentle introduction.

5 Gentle Yoga Poses You Can Do With Your Pet

These beginner-friendly moves can help you both relax and bond.

1. Heart-Opening Seated Pose
Sit cross-legged with your pet in your lap or beside you. Place one hand over your heart and the other gently on your pet. Breathe deeply, focusing on gratitude.

2. Supported Child’s Pose
Kneel on the mat, hips over heels, and fold forward. Let your pet snuggle under you or rest their head on your arms.

3. Cat-Cow Flow
On hands and knees, alternate arching and rounding your back. Your cat might join in naturally, dogs may just enjoy watching!

4. Downward Dog
From hands and knees, lift your hips high into an inverted V-shape. Encourage your pup to “stretch” alongside you.

5. Savasana With Snuggles
Lie flat on your back, arms relaxed, and invite your pet to cuddle on your chest or beside you for a peaceful finish.

For a deeper dive into yoga form and modifications, check out this beginner’s yoga guide from Yoga Journal.

Benefits for Both You and Your Fur Baby

  • Stress relief: Petting your companion while stretching can lower cortisol and boost oxytocin levels.

  • Gentle exercise: Keeps you both moving without high-impact strain.

  • Bond building: Quality time strengthens trust and affection.

  • Mental wellness: The mix of mindful breathing, movement, and animal companionship supports emotional health.

Discover several other ways to lower your risk of Breast Cancer.

The Pink Paws Project: Comfort Dogs for Families Affected by Breast Cancer

image of 2 dogs wearing P4P dog shirts - The Pink Paws Project

At Pawsitively 4 Pink, we believe healing comes in many forms, sometimes on four paws with a wagging tail. That’s why, in partnership with Emily’s Interiors, we have The Pink Paws Project, a heartwarming program that places specially selected comfort dogs with families affected by breast cancer.

These incredible dogs aren’t just companions; they’re trained to provide emotional support, a calming presence, and unconditional love during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Emily’s Interiors, each dog receives thorough placement and training, while Pawsitively 4 Pink ensures families have ongoing resources, community connections, and volunteer support.

If you or someone you love could benefit from a comfort dog, we invite you to apply.

To learn more about the powerful impact animals can have during cancer treatment, read our article on how pet therapy helps cancer patients.