Pets Keep You Healthy

Pets Keep You Healthy

Pet owners tend to be more active, less stressed and genuinely happy, which can all contribute to better health.

• Pets are exercise buddies. Rain or snow, Fido isn’t going to let you forget it’s time for a walk. Even playing with and caring for your pet will keep you moving on a consistent basis.
• They can lower your blood pressure. According to one study of 240 married couples, those with pets had lower blood pressure during rest than non-pet owners. In another study, children improved their blood pressure when petting their dog.
• They also help build immunity. Children who grow up with a dog, cat or farm animal have a stronger immune system than those without pets and are less likely to develop allergies.

Pets Relieve Anxiety and Depression

No one loves you like your pet. And after a stressful day, coming home to a happy, tail-wagging furry friend who’s excited to see you can’t help but improve your mood. (Did you know that simply petting your cat or dog releases oxytocin, your happy hormone?)

If you suffer from depression, chances are you’ll feel much calmer around your pet. Walking, feeding, grooming and playing with your pet gets you out of head and makes you feel good about the care you’re providing.

Dr. Terese Donch, a family medicine specialist in Greenwood Village, CO, puts it this way, “Animals, including our pets, can play an important role in our health. Not only do they lower our stress levels and keep us company, but they also serve to get us out of ourselves; they remind us that it is not all about us.” (T. Donch, personal communication, November 1, 2022)

Pets Help You Build Connections

Owning a pet is great for socialization, which has a profound effect on physical and mental health. If you live alone, you’ll always have your faithful companion by your side. Heading to the park with your dog will also help you build connections with other dog lovers.

What’s more, children who have a family pet have been found to show higher levels of emotional development than those without pets in the home. Through nonverbal communication, they learn to understand their pet’s needs. And by contributing to their care, they feel important and have a higher degree of self-esteem.

Service Dogs Change Lives

You’ve probably seen service dogs in many hospitals and airports. A service dog is trained to perform tasks for people with physical or mental disabilities. For example:

• Pulling wheelchairs
• Helping blind individuals with navigation
• Retrieving items for people with mobility issues
• Alerting those with diabetes to a sudden drop in blood sugar
• Interrupting harmful behaviors in people with neurological conditions

Make sure if you encounter a service dog, you speak to the owner and not the dog. Don’t pet the dog unless you ask permission first.

Adopt!

If you’re considering a pet, adopting is easy and cost-effective — plus you’re saving an animal. But before you take the plunge, ask yourself if you truly have the time, space and money to make this commitment. Then, do your research and choose the breed that will work best for your lifestyle. There are numerous animal shelters and rescues in the Denver area who can’t wait to help you find your new best friend.