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Morning Dogs, Morning Gains: How Your Pup’s Pee Routine Can Transform Your Mental Health
Allen Rippy, Veterinarian, Author
Jul 28, 2025
6 min read
Every dog owner knows the drill: before the coffee, before the emails, before even brushing your teeth—your dog needs to pee. And not just “eventually.” We’re talking now. Rain or shine, cold or heat, those paws are pacing and those eyes are pleading. And while it may feel like a daily inconvenience, this urgent ritual is actually a hidden gift—one that could significantly improve your physical and mental health.
Taking your dog outside first thing in the morning—even for just 5 to 10 minutes—forces you into motion. You’re walking. You’re breathing. You’re not doom-scrolling in bed. More importantly, you’re getting natural morning sunlight, a powerful reset for your body’s internal clock. That’s not just poetic—it’s biological.
Studies have shown that exposure to natural morning light helps regulate melatonin and cortisol rhythms, which improves sleep quality, mood, and mental clarity throughout the day. Combine that with light physical activity (even a short stroll to the corner and back), and you’re getting a double dose of wellness: movement and sunlight, the original antidepressants.
That morning walk also builds consistency into your day. It grounds you in a physical routine that involves care, touch, and interaction. You’re not just scrolling your way into a numb morning haze. You’re engaging—with your dog, with your environment, and with your own body.
The research is clear: dog owners are generally more physically active, spend more time outdoors, and report lower levels of stress and depression compared to non-dog owners. And a big reason is this: dogs need to pee in the morning.
So the next time your dog wakes you up with their “I gotta go” face, try not to groan. Try to smile. That morning pee? It’s your invitation to step outside, breathe deep, feel the sun—and reset your whole day.