Pet Ownership Improves your Life!

Post by Trish Manche

Upon noticing that Tuesday, April 7th is World Health Day, it seemed appropriate to share how pet ownership can improve your life. Although there are cat owners, dog owners and lovers of both, they offer many of the same benefits. Jackson Galaxy uses the word guardian when he talks about people with cats. I like the terminology, because be it cat or dog, we are their caregivers, their protectors, their security blankets, in essence their guardians. Guardianship of any pet should not be taken lightly and this should be for the lifetime of the pet.

Today’s focus is “How do pets improve our lives?”, you may be surprised. It’s more than just the laughter at the hilarious dog and cat videos seen on social media, it’s a deep connection to these souls. They enter our homes and love us unconditionally, even if we aren’t always the best version of ourselves. Cats and dogs are now considered more a part of the family than they were at any other time in history, creating a sense of joy and family.

Interacting with pets has a positive effect on the owner’s brain. It improves mood and activates areas of the brain contributing to physiological and psychological health. On a daily basis it can decrease levels of cortisol and lower blood pressure and heart rate. The longer you own your pet, this more the positive effect can increase. Did you know that by petting your cat or dog, it releases the “love hormone” oxytocin?

Pets can offer a temporary distraction from our worries. It cannot totally replace medication or therapy, but can go hand in hand to support these treatments. Pets help us improve our relationships by promoting positive feelings and reducing negative emotions. Pets also help us combat loneliness, offering companionship and unconditional love. All of this helps reduce feelings of isolation and depression. Pets can increase our capacity for kindness and generosity toward others. It is also noted that pets are sensitive creatures who can sense our needs and offer a calming presence, particularly in times of grief.

Cats are great pets because they do not need a lot of space, are low maintenance, are independent, and are good at entertaining themselves, however, that does not mean they will not be there when you need them. Cats can increase your physical daily activities by engaging you in playing with toys, when you bend down to replace food and water, and clean their litter box.

Cats purr for a variety of reasons including hunger, affection, as well as stress. Cats purr at a frequency of 20 – 140 hertz, which can stimulate muscles, promote healing in bones and tendons, and improve joint mobility. A cat simply curling up in your lap at the end of the day can release all the right chemicals to your brain to help you relax.

Dogs don’t purr, but they will give you their undivided attention to cheer you, engage you in play with toys, have you bending down to fill their food and water bowls as well as picking up after them, plus walks! Dogs LOVE to go on walks which will certainly increase your physical activity.

Pets create a sense of purpose in an owner’s life. Most cats and dogs are creatures of habit and have expectations of specific meal times, treat times, cuddle times, and for dogs – times to go out. This sense of routine creates a sense of purpose, particularly in seniors, and a schedule someone without a pet might not experience. It can also be good for children (with supervision) to experience the routine of caring for a pet. It is noted that social skills and interactions improve, particularly in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with pet ownership.

Pet Ownership offers the health benefits below: