Pet Your Way To Good Health — Written with The Nurse Farmer
Do you have a dog? What about a cat? If not, what kind of pet do you have, if you have a pet at all? I have two dogs. I also have three cats. My focus as a nurse is of course, human health. So, maybe you are wondering why I am writing about pets if my blog is about human health. Well, the reality is, pets can impact our health by helping us live healthier and longer lives! Let me explain some of the ways pets can improve our health.
Blood pressure
Did you know that the American Heart Association advocates petting an animal as a means of lowering blood pressure? Spending time with pets stimulates our brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that act as neurotransmitters which help us relax and lower our blood pressure. Lowering our blood pressure helps reduce our risk for heart disease and stroke. Next time you pet your dog or cuddle your kitty, you are not only showing them affection, but you are also doing something positive for your health!
Socialization
Did you know that owning a pet can help boost our mental health? Pets are always there to provide us with companionship and socialization. Let’s use dog walking as an example of what I mean. When we walk our dog, we are constantly interacting and communicating with our dog. Additionally, whether on a hiking trail, dog park, or even a city sidewalk, we also have the opportunity to socialize and chat with people as well. Socializing helps combat depression, decrease anxiety, and boosts our mental health in general.
Exercise
Walking or jogging with a dog is a form of physical exercise. Don’t rule out other activities that you can do with your pet to get some exercise. Consider carrying your dog or cat in a basket while you are riding a bicycle. I remember a man who used to ride his parrot on his shoulder while peddling his bicycle on a local bike trail! If you have physical limitations and can’t go for long walks or ride a bicycle, try a cat charmer wand or noise-making dog toy to play with your pet indoors. When we exercise and play with our pets, we are promoting our own health as well as the health of our pets.
Nature
My nursing colleague, The Nature Nurse, advocates getting outdoors in nature as a means of enhancing our health and wellbeing. I agree with her and can’t think of a more fun way to do something therapeutic and good for our health than being outdoors with a pet. Do you have health issues that limit your ability to engage in strenuous activities with your pet? Getting outdoors does not have to be physically taxing. Consider driving your pet around outdoors in your car. Many cities and towns have parks with roads and trails specifically for driving. Most have picnic areas to stop and rest. Make sure the park is pet-friendly. Don’t forget to pick up your pet’s waste and keep your pet restrained. It is the right thing to do!
Responsibility
Do you have children? Having a pet can be good for a child’s developmental health. Taking care of a pet teaches responsibility and helps develop empathy. A small child can be given simple tasks such as filling a water bowl for a cat or giving a dog a snack. Older children can be given tasks that require more responsibility such as walking a dog or picking up waste. Taking care of a pet can also teach children to be kind and understand the needs of others.
Adoption
If you are thinking about getting a pet, consider adopting one from your local animal shelter. Clarke County Animal Shelter in Grove Hill, Alabama, encourages adopting from shelters and says there are many advantages of adopting from a shelter. For example, you may find a dog who is already house-broken or a cat who is accustomed to being around children. By adopting from a shelter, you could potentially save time and money on spaying, neutering, and vaccinating. Many shelters require adopted animals to be vaccinated, spayed, or neutered prior to adoption. According to Clarke County Animal Shelter, some states, including Alabama, mandate that all shelter animals are altered prior to being adopted. Adopting from an animal shelter may save a pet’s life and may have a positive impact on your health!
From my farm, to your home,
Clifton Joullian R.N., B.S.N.
The Nurse Farmer
The information provided by The Nurse Farmer is educational and informational only. The information provided by The Nurse Farmer is not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before engaging in any new health promotion or disease prevention activities.
