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Calling All Pet Lovers: How Your Fur-Baby Keeps You Healthy!
Health | June 12, 2019
It’s no secret that I am the proud owner of many dogs (and a cat). I’ve always had a soft spot for animals, and for me, they’re more than pets. They’re family. And surprisingly enough, being a pet owner comes with quite a few health benefits, which I thought I’d share with you today! Whether you’re a cat or a dog lover (or, like me, both!), there’s something to be said for including a little bundle of love from the animal kingdom into your life! Are you ready to find out why? Then let’s get started!
Mental Health
You’re not crazy for doting on your canine or feline companion. They too have thoughts and feelings and are just as capable as forming relationships. The bond between man and animal is so strong that the research has quickly caught up and proven its strength. According to psychiatrist Dr. Greg Fricchione, “When you feel securely attached to this living being, there are biological brain effects that reduce stress response, so it may affect your breathing rate or blood pressure or oxygen consumption or anxiety level. There was even a recent study in the journal Scienceabout how oxytocin is boosted in both the dog and the human when a dog owner stares into the eyes of the dog. That’s really fascinating.” [1] As you may recall, oxytocin is one of our “feel good” hormones or neurotransmitters and is also referred to as either the “love” or “cuddle” hormone. Typically, the release of oxytocin happens from positive social interactions, like snuggling in bed or hugging a loved one. [2] Bonding with a pet is just one of the ways to maintain healthy levels of oxytocin, thereby supporting better moods. Speaking of better moods, what’s perhaps one of the oddest (but perhaps vindicating) studies out there shows there’s actually a benefit to watching cat videos of all things! The study, which involved more than 7,000 participants and was conducted by the Indiana University Bloomington, found that this celebrated internet pastime boosted energy and positivity while lowering negative emotions like sadness and anxiety. According to the author of the study, “Even if they are watching cat videos on YouTube to procrastinate or while they should be working, the emotional pay-off may actually help people take on tough tasks afterward.” [3]
Finally, let’s not forget about the use of therapy dogs. These specially-trained canines are often brought to cheer up seniors, children, rehabilitation centers, and hospital patients and are meant to bring a little bit of light to someone’s dark and gloomy day. The use of therapy dogs has been well-documented and is frequently used in hospital settings as a way of taking the load off of the stress and anxiety that comes from treatment. Even the Mayo Clinic has a special pet therapy program. In their words, “More than a dozen registered therapy dogs and their handlers are part of Mayo Clinic’s Caring Canines program. They make regular visits to various hospital departments and even make special visits on request. The dogs are a welcome distraction and help reduce the stress and anxiety that can accompany hospital visits.” [4]
My Gypsy (in the photo) is not specially trained therapy dog but he knows when I’m sad or upset. When I feel like crap I tend to isolate myself in a room and he always comes with me and lays by my side. That’s his way of comforting me and it always works. Besides that, I love cuddling with our dogs and cat. I could play and cuddle with them for hours. It’s without a doubt one of the biggest joys in my life.
Total Body Health
We know about the mental benefits of having a pet, but what else can they do outside of that? As it turns out, they can do quite a lot. Starting with your heart. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology foundthat after adjusting for differences in bio-individuality (i.e., age, genetics, ethnicity) and current states of health (i.e., high or low blood pressure, diabetes, body weight, BMI, etc.), the participants that happened to own a cat were shown to have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease. [5] Both the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) NIH (National Institute of Health) have studied the benefits of pet ownership, discovering that owners tended to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides (all of which contribute to heart attacks and cardiovascular disease). [6]
A little-known side effect of having a furry friend is pain reduction. From the chronic pain associated with migraines and arthritis to that associated with surgery, owning a pet or engaging in pet therapy could be quite effective. [7] Research from Loyola University even found that patients that used pet therapy during recovery from surgery needed “significantly” less pain-reducing drugs than those that didn’t. [8]
Here’s another benefit of having a pet: boosting gut health! Yes, I just can’t stay away from this “pet favorite” topic of mine! Scientists now believe that the addition of an outdoor-friendly pet can further boost your microbiome (aka, the gut) by naturally exposing you to more diverse strains of bacteria (microbes) that can help prevent allergies while simultaneously enhancing our immunity. [9] In children, exposure to dogs (as well as farm animals) during the first year of their life helped lower the risk of developing asthma by the age of six (according to research published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics). [10] So, while I wouldn’t go as far as to say that an animal would substitute a probiotic or a fiber-rich, prebiotic diet, it certainly helps to boost or enhance your microbiome!
Lifestyle
Yes, pets do indeed help cultivate a healthier lifestyle. Our own lives will have to change in order to accommodate them, after all, since they too require things like food, water, housing, and even healthcare in order to be at their best. In doing so, we learn to have more compassion and patience, which extends to our familial, business, and social relationships. We also become more responsible, since caring for the furry-life of another is a great responsibility. Even children would do well to cultivate this life skill since it can help them to excel academically and personally as they grow older.
And being the fitness pro that I am, I have to mention the obvious benefit of increasing your physical activity when having a pet. Well, at least the right kind of pet. With a dog, you’re going to be walking it frequently, which adds more exercise to your day. You also have the opportunity to go outside with nature and interact with fellow pet owners, which adds a social element to your walk. Even with an indoor pet like a cat you’ll still have to get up, change the litter box, feed it, and play with it, which adds to your daily non-exercise activity thermogenesis (otherwise known as NEAT). So, cleaning up and looking after a pet may seem like a chore, but at least it keeps you active and disciplined.
Alright everyone, there you have it! These are the top perks that come with having a friendly, furry addition to your family. I adore my pets, and hope you feel the same about yours, too! By the way, if you’ve ever done pet therapy, I would love to know how it worked out! The fact that a friendly little creature can do so much for someone going through hard times is remarkable, and just goes to show that it’s the simplest things that have the most powerful effects.
Sources:
[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-and-risks-of-pet-ownership
[2] https://www.livescience.com/42198-what-is-oxytocin.html
[3] http://archive.news.indiana.edu/releases/iu/2015/06/internet-cat-video-research.shtml
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/pet-therapy/art-20046342
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317329/
[6] https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/dogs.html
[7] http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/no-3-stay-heart-healthy/
[8] https://luc.edu/nursing/stories/archive/animaltherapypainmed.shtml
[9] https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/well/family/are-pets-the-new-probiotic.html
[10] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2467334
Private Member |
lublin, poland
Meoww!!I mean “totally agree”. I’m insane cat lover.
Private Member |
I had a papillion dog when I was a kid. He was the greatest! Something really cool was he learned all on his own to wake me up from low blood sugar episodes. No one ever taught him, he would some how be awake in the middle of the night, and he’d bark and wake me up, and watch me as I ate to make sure I was okay. Once he passed away I did not get another. The biggest set back to owning a dog is how expensive the upkeep can be. If anything goes wrong, a visit to the vet could be $500-$1,000. When my dog needed surgery it was $3,000. And vets near me are notorious for lying and manipulating concerned owners out of their money. One of my friends has pet health insurance and it is still very expensive, I wonder if it is any different today. Do you have insurance or an affordable vet for your dogs, Z?
Private Member |
blaustein, germany
I have had dogs for most of my life. While reading the article I could relate to the scientific findings though personal experience. Yes for sure you have to walk your 🐕, that does bring one more into nature. In my case it did. We walked our dog two times a day or he would run along next to my bicycle when I went fishing. Routines are very important to dogs and cats and actually for humans too. My dog died in April this year and I do notice the walks that I don’t take as a regular routine anymore. What a missing part of life when an animal dies. Somehow I was caught of guard emotionally when my dog and fishing partner died. The emotions did not hit me til it was time to bury him. Thats when I knew how important he was to my life. All the Zgym workouts that he would diligently watch or sleep through makes it feel so empty doing the workouts when he is not around. It is the indirect things about having having a furry companion that influences life and you don’t notice it fully until its gone.
Yes I do agree that dogs and cats can be therapeutic. I don’t need scientific study to tell me that even though the results of research have opened our eyes to the benefits of having a trusted friend around. They will go anywhere with you, they just want to be by your side. Its a great experience having a dog and I have more empathy when I see dogs and their owners.
Thanks for that article Z.
Private Member |
los angeles, ca, usa
Sorry, man. 😢
Private Member |
blaustein, germany
Everything is alright, thank you Scott! Hope you are well!
Private Member |
switzerland/, france
I dont have time and too busy for pet. When i will be old and alone and need company probably may get one, though it really prevents from travelling easily around, not that I am planning to go around the world but to consider. We have dozens of working dogs now and can cuddle puppies anytime, but they are not considered “pet”. Also will not have a cat anytime soon again, they kill baby birds. I had 5 babies taking flight this week-end and they would have been slaughtered right away. Our cat did a decent job catching mice for 7 yrs and since he passed away, no kitty allowed. We have a pony and chicken though.. animal therapy or anything nature related is very soothing to me and I love going around my mule when she was still here. She is gone now for horse therapy with a knowledgeable person as we wanted the best for her ( not just grazing around)
Private Member |
LOVE THIS article! I have 2 kitties that I absolutely adore <3
Private Member |
ellijay, ga, united states
I love this so much! And I always adore it when your pets make cameos in your videos (and pictures)! 😍
I’m both a dog AND cat person, though I have to admit, I’m a little more of a dog person…even though we no longer one. (My husband is allergic to dogs. And, yes, he’s tried everything.) I grew up with dogs and wanted one of my own that could keep me company on jogs (LOL, we had a sheltie at the time, and he would make it to the end of the driveway before plopping down to say he was DONE with the run! 😂). I did my research and got a Jack Russell of my own when I was in college — wow, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect buddy! He was with me through college and a constant companion through years of just me and him! Pets ABSOLUTELY have a sense of humor: he LOVED it when I laughed, and if he accidentally cracked me (or anyone!) up, he would ham things up even more to get MORE laughter! 😂My sweet husband sacrificed by putting up with the allergies for 3 years when we got married (My Enzo was a senior by then). It’s been around 5 years, but I miss that little guy so much, still. I had to miss the zgym for a few days when he passed — I couldn’t even eat for those days. 😥 They really wriggle their way firmly into your heart!! ❤️
We have 4 cats — indoor, only (hubby ISN’T allergic to cats! WHEW!). And while they aren’t the same as a dog, I love them dearly! We don’t-have/can’t-have/don’t-really-want-anyway kids, so they’re like children to us. They enrich our lives so much!
Heh, sorry for the long bit of reminiscing! 😝 I have so many good memories through the years of my little buddy…and I know I’ll get (and am forming) good memories with our current bunch! ❤️❤️
Private Member |
prague, czech republic
We adopted our dog almost a year ago. I always wanted a dog and my dream came true 🙂 we adopted him all the way from Oman (living in the Czech Rep.). He was born on a construction site along with his brother and sisters. They were the lucky ones and were saved from the streets (stray dogs can get shot by police easily). Anyway, he is our sweetheart and we love him so much. He makes us all happier and you can only smile when you see him 🙂 I love our daily walks and it is a great form of exercise for us as well. Have a great weekend and love your pets!
Private Member |
Yes, I can’t agree more: the walks, the cuddling, the licking off of my tears when I cry… I can’t wait till we try bike together. We haven’t so far, because our vet told us that we should wait till he is two years old and completely grown. My dog is a brittany, he needs to be active every day, so I get up each morning before 6 to go to the woods with him, which had greatly benefited my mental health.