Unleash the potential of your furry friends to uplift your spirits. Discover the mood-boosting power of pets, their ability to alleviate stress, and the science behind the joy they bring into our lives.
How pets help adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
Alzheimer’s patients may exhibit a variety of behavioral problems, many related to an inability to deal with stress
- In many cases, a patient’s problem behavior is a reaction to the stressed response of the primary caretaker
- Pets can help ease the stress of caregivers
Studies have found that:
Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets
- People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations
- Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax
- Pets fulfill the basic human need for touch
- Even hardened criminals in prison show long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with pets
Alternatives to pet ownership
If you don’t have the time, money, or stamina to own a pet full-time, there are still ways you can experience the health benefits of being around animals.
- You can ask to walk a neighbor’s dog, for example, or volunteer at an animal shelter.
The health benefits for children
Children who grow up with pets have less risk of allergies and asthma
- They learn responsibility, compassion, and empathy from having a dog or cat
- Pets can help calm hyperactive or overly aggressive kids
- Having an ever-present pet can help ease separation anxiety
- Kids who are emotionally attached to their pets are better able to build relationships with other people
Owning a pet is a major commitment
A pet is beneficial and comforting only for those who love and appreciate domestic animals and have the time and money to keep a pet happy and healthy.
- Other drawbacks to owning a pet include: pets cost money
- Food bills, veterinary care, licenses, grooming costs, toys, bedding, boarding fees, and other maintenance expenses can mount up. Pets require time and attention
- Pets carry health risks for some people
- Allergies are the most common health risk of pet ownership
The health benefits of pets
Many of us remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of snuggling up to a furry friend.
- Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health.
How pets can help you make healthy lifestyle changes
Increasing exercise: Taking a dog for a walk, hike, or run are fun ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule
- Providing companionship: Companionship can help prevent illness and even add years to your life, while isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression
- Reducing anxiety: The companionship of an animal can offer comfort, help ease anxiety, and build self-confidence for people anxious about going out into the world
- Adding structure and routine: Having a consistent routine keeps an animal balanced and calm-and it can work for you, too
The health benefits of pets for older adults
As well as providing vital companionship, owning a pet can play an important role in healthy aging by helping you to: Find meaning and joy in life
- Stay connected
- Boost your vitality
- Maintaining a social network isn’t always easy as you grow older. Pets, especially dogs, are a great way to spark up conversations and meet new people.
Finding the perfect pet
While people who have pets tend to be happier, more independent, and feel more secure than those without pets, it’s important to select the type of pet that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
- Talk to other members of your household and agree on the qualities you want in a pet and those you’d prefer to avoid.
Purebred vs. mixed breed dogs
If you have a specific breed of dog in mind, you can look for a rescue group that caters to that breed or seek out a reputable breeder.
- Ask for a referral from other dog owners, a veterinarian, or a local breed club or rescue group, but be aware that some breeders will want to meet you before selling you a dog to ensure that you’ll be a suitable, responsible owner.
Children with learning disorders and other challenges
Some children with autism or other learning difficulties are better able to interact with pets than people
- Dogs and cats help children with learning disabilities learn how to regulate stress and calm themselves, making them better equipped to overcome the challenges of their disorder
- Playing and exercising with a dog or cat helps a child stay alert and attentive throughout the day
Shelter and rescue animals
Dogs and cats adopted from shelters make excellent pets.
- By adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue organization, you’ll not only be giving a home to a deserving pet, but you’ll also likely be saving an animal’s life.
Avoid puppies sold in pet stores or online
Pet stores that care about puppies don’t sell them
- The majority of pet stores that sell puppies carry dogs from cruel and inhumane puppy mills
- Help stop this cycle of cruelty simply by choosing to adopt your next pet from a shelter or rescue group, or by purchasing a dog only from a responsible breeder
Get a dog
A number of studies have linked owning a dog to losing weight
- Walking an overweight dog helps both the animals and their owners shed unwanted pounds
- Dogs provide support in similar ways to a human exercise buddy, but with greater consistency
- Public housing residents who walked therapy dogs for up to 20 minutes five days a week lost an average of 14.4 pounds in a year
