We all love our furry, feathered, or scaly little friends. They are great companions in your home, but they can also be your ticket to a healthier, longer life if you just let them.

You know how expert studies have shown that when you embark on a weight loss program with a supportive friend, you are more likely to succeed in losing the weight? Well, studies have been conducted, and your pet qualifies as a workout buddy. Here's how.

If you own a pet, consider trying a natural weight loss supplement as well. The pet will get you out the door, the supplement will help you shed the weight.

Your pet is your motivator
Research carried out by the Wellness Institute at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital found that people who exercised with their pets had a higher likelihood of keeping up their workout routines as opposed to people who exercised on their own. The study concluded that pets, just like humans, should be considered companions that are part of a person's social support system during a natural weight loss plan.

How to lose weight with the help of your pet
Go on walks with your pet. Studies show that dog owners walk an average of 300 minutes every week; those who don't have dogs walk 168 minutes every week. This will help you burn calories and fat almost effortlessly.
Play games such as fetch with your dog to get both of you dashing, panting, and losing excess weight.

If your dog is a natural water breed or is trained for swimming, get a little wet with the furry partner from time-to-time.

If you have a pet or are considering getting one for your journey towards natural weight loss, you would be making a great decision by doing so.

Aside from helping you lose weight, the regular physical activity that comes with walking your cat or dog and other such workouts will help strengthen your bones against osteoporosis, and you'll also catch some vitamin D from exposure to the sun.