Most of us probably don’t need an analysis of the benefits of pet ownership to convince us that our lives are greatly enhanced when we are fortunate enough to share our homes with cats, dogs and other creatures including fish. But just in case you are needing a little nudge in that direction, have a look at my blog, Share Your Life With A Pet That Loves You, posted on April 20, 2020.
Some of the benefits of pet ownership that I mentioned at that time focused on research about the connection between sharing your life with a dog and the positive effects on health. For example:
- Dog owners make fewer visits to their doctors.
- Owning a dog can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Owning a dog can help reduce blood pressure.
- Dogs can help the development of children with autism and children with learning difficulties.
- Owning a dog can boost your immune system.
- Dog owners are likely to recover quicker from heart attacks.
- Dogs can help safeguard against depression.
- Trained dogs can detect a variety of health conditions, including epileptic seizures and hypoglycemia.
In addition to the physical benefits of having a pet, there are psychological benefits as well. In her article, The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Having a Pet, author Louise B. Miller, Ph.D., stressed that an animal can be a great source of social support as well. Just having another living being whom you can talk to, hug, love — and who needs you — can alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Dogs and cats and other animals including fish are great sources of comfort and companionship.
Pets Are Reminders of Life Lessons
All of the things mentioned above are definitely good reasons to consider sharing your life with a pet. But, in my opinion, one of the major benefits of having pets in your life (other than the sheer joy of it) is that they are constant reminders of life lessons which may go unnoticed if you don’t have a pet in your home.
I want to share with you a recent article posted by https://pets.webmd.com that features life lessons that we can learn from our amazing pets. Here is a summary, but it is definitely worth your time to go to the slideshow linked below and have a look at the pictures and descriptions of each of the life lessons we can learn from our amazing pets.
Summary: 20 Things You Can Learn From Your Pets
- Forget Multitasking. When dogs have a job to do, they give it their undivided attention. It turns out that people should probably do the same.
- Take Naps. (I love this one) You won’t catch your pet going from dawn to dusk without any shut-eye. There is good evidence humans can benefit from catnaps, too.
- Walk Every Day. Whether you’ve got four legs or two, walking is one of the safest, easiest ways to burn calories and boost heart health, fight depression, lost weight, lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, lower the risk of breast and colon cancer, keep your bones strong, and keep your mind sharp.
- Cultivate Friendships. People are social animals, and friendships have measurable health benefits.
- Live in the Moment. Living in the moment may be one of the most important lessons we can learn from our pets. . . Planning, reminiscing, or thinking about anything other than the current activity can undermine happiness.
- Don’t Hold a Grudge. Chronic anger has been linked to a decline in lung function, while forgiveness contributes to lower blood pressure and reduced anxiety. People who forgive also tend to have higher self-esteem.
- Maybe you don’t have a tail, but a smile or a spring in your step shows gratitude. Researchers have found a strong connection between gratitude and general well-being.
- Maintain Curiosity. Researchers have found that people who are more curious tend to have a greater sense of meaning in life.
- Be Silly. Researchers conclude that “laughter is the best medicine” – especially when it comes to protecting your heart.
- Get a Back Rub. Researchers have found that massage therapy can ease pain, give the immune system a boost, and help manage chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes
- Drink Water When You’re Thirsty. Water gives your muscles and tissues critical fluid without adding to your calorie count.
- Eat Fish. Most cats would trade kibble for a can of tuna any day. Many fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
- If you love someone, show it. Dogs don’t play hard to get—when they love you, they show you. It’s also a good approach for people seeking to strengthen their relationships.
- Goofing off is not just for kids and kittens. Play is a basic human need along with sleeping and eating. Play enhances intelligence, creativity, problem-solving and social skills. Take a cue from your pet and devote yourself to an activity that has no purpose other than sheer fun.
- Enjoy the Great Outdoors. A hike in the woods may be a dog’s idea of bliss, but it has plenty of benefits for the human mind and body as well.
- Make Time to Groom. Aside from the obvious health benefits of bathing and brushing your teeth, grooming can have a number of positive effects on your life.
- Be Aware of Body Language. Dogs are excellent at reading each other’s intent from body language. People not so much.
- Stretch Often. Stretching will not only keep you limber. It also increases muscle strength, power and endurance.
- Seek Out Shade. When dogs are ready for a break, they often seek out shade. Dermatologists recommend that people do the same, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Stick to a Schedule. Pets like the consistency of a routine. The same goes for the human body clock. People sleep better if they go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
Here is the link to the slideshow. It is definitely worth checking out! https://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-things-you-learn-from-your-pet
As grateful pet mom, I can tell you that every minute of every day with our rescued animals is like a ray of sunshine. They provide such beautiful examples of wisdom, offer a definite sense of meaning and purpose, are a cause for frequent laughter, and are a constant reminder that both compassion and lovingkindness are greatly appreciated—especially as one is growing older. Something to think about!
May you be safe, happy and healthy!
Donna