Pawsitive Health: How Pets Boost Your Physical and Functional Well-being
- annekehill57
- Feb 10
- 5 min read
You’ve been resisting it. You’ve told yourself all the reasons why not: more food to buy (it’s really not that much), more clean-up (no more than usual), and the inconvenience—what if you miss your favorite TV program to go outside and walk? Okay, maybe that’s not a strong reason. But then you see people in the park, some throwing balls or Frisbees, others sitting on blankets with their companions. They look so happy. And your friends at dinner parties, proudly showing off pictures of “their sweet baby” and her new climbing tower! Of course, your neighbor wastes no time in telling you he lost 5 pounds just from taking walks with his companion. The joy, the companionship, and maybe even losing weight! It sounds too good to be true. It sounds like the benefits are really outweighing your “so-called” reasons.
And you are right! Welcoming a pet into your home can be a source of companionship and also bring significant functional and physical health benefits. Research has shown that pets can improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and encourage physical activity. From the joy of morning walks with your dog to the soothing purr of a contented cat, the presence of a pet can enhance your overall well-being in numerous ways. Not that you need more convincing, but let’s explore the myriads of ways in which pets contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Physical Health Benefits:
Did you know there's a word for the study of the interaction between humans and other animals? It's called Anthrozoology! Who knew, right? Thankfully, this fascinating field has been growing over the last 35 years, uncovering incredible information. Research has proven that owning a pet can have significant health benefits, such as lowering heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and preventing certain illnesses. Studies have shown that simply petting a dog can decrease blood pressure, help with chronic conditions, and prevent chronic diseases! According to the American Heart Association, owning a dog may reduce your risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke by 31%—sign me up! Another study found that dog owners who walk their dogs regularly may face only one-third the risk of diabetes compared to those who don’t own a dog.
Alright, you had me at lowering blood pressure! The health benefits of having a pet are pretty amazing, but wait, there’s more! How would you like to feel more relaxed and less stressed? Well, you’re in luck because another fantastic benefit of having a pet is the emotional and mental health boost they provide. Let’s dive into how pets help with stress!
Emotional/Mental Health Benefits:
Interacting with pets has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Studies indicate that when we see, touch, hear, or talk to our companion animals, we experience feelings of goodwill, joy, and happiness, while stress hormones like cortisol are suppressed.
Additionally, research has found that pets can alleviate loneliness, enhance feelings of social support, and elevate your mood. Pets provide comfort and companionship, and therapy dogs, in particular, excel at this—they're often brought into hospitals or nursing homes to help reduce patients' stress and anxiety. I'm starting to feel more relaxed just thinking about it!
It sounds like a win-win, right? The physical health benefits – check! The emotional and mental benefits – check! And let's not forget your neighbor who lost 5 pounds. Add in the physical activity, and we've got ourselves a win-win-win!
Physical Activity Health Benefits:
Pets, especially dogs, can be the ultimate workout partners. Whether it's a morning jog or a brisk walk around the block, having a pet encourages you to get up and move. Studies have shown that pet owners tend to be more physically active than non-pet owners. One study showed that dog parents are four times more likely to fit in the 150 minutes of physical activity per week recommended by the AHA than non-dog owners.
And dog-owning families often promote physical activity within the household. Even on those days when motivation is lacking, the enthusiastic wag of a tail or the expectant look from your pet can be all the encouragement you need to lace up, get up, and go! Rain or shine, your pet ensures that there's always a reason to stay active and healthy.
These are just a few ways pets can help in everyday life. And then there are the "Superdogs"! These extraordinary dogs go above and beyond to assist people with disabilities or mobility issues. While I like to call them "Superdogs," most people know them as Service Dogs.
Mobility Service Dogs:
Service dogs are superheroes for those with mobility challenges. They offer stability and balance, fetch dropped items, open doors, and even pull wheelchairs in controlled situations—pretty much everything short of donning a cape! These amazing dogs help with transfers and act as a physical anchor, allowing their handlers to navigate their environment with newfound independence. Plus, they can be trained to perform specific tasks, like pressing buttons for automatic doors or turning on lights, depending on the individual's needs. And if you're someone who uses a walker or a cane, these canine companions can even carry items in their mouths, making grocery shopping a breeze. They can also push door buttons, elevator buttons, and turn lights on and off—talk about a multitasking marvel!
In conclusion, the benefits of having a pet extend far beyond mere companionship. From improving physical health and boosting mental well-being to providing emotional support and reducing stress, our pets play a vital role in enriching our lives. As you consider the numerous ways pets can enhance your overall health, remember that adopting* a pet not only brings joy and comfort to your life but also provides a loving home to an animal in need. So, whether you're a proud pet owner or thinking about becoming one, take a moment to appreciate the incredible impact these wonderful companions have on our health and happiness. And hey, who wouldn't want a live-in comedian who also happens to be a great listener?
*One of the best websites for pet adoption is Petfinder. They have a large network of over 14,500 shelters and rescues, making it easy to find a pet that suits your lifestyle.
You can browse dogs, cats, and other animals available for adoption near you. Other great options include Adopt a Pet, ASPCA, and Rescue Me. These sites provide detailed information about each pet, including their health status, behavior, and photos, to help you make an informed decision.
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