There’s no denying that the U.S. is a nation of pet owners. But of course, most of us see our furry friends as much more than pets. For 91 percent of Americans, pets are members of the family. And they more than earn the title!
Yes, our four-legged family members are always there to comfort us when we need it. But in addition to providing emotional support, they also help make us physically healthier.
Read on to learn more about how your pets keep you well.
They help you get more exercise. It makes sense that dog owners who have to walk their dogs would get more exercise than non-dog owners. But as The New York Times explains, a recent study sought to find out whether the time we spend walking our dogs simply replaces other forms of exercise. The study found that that isn’t necessarily the case. As the article notes, it turns out dog owners “exercised about 30 minutes a week more than” non-dog owners and were also “more likely to take part in other leisure-time physical activities like sports and gardening.”
Which brings up a great point…exercising with your dog doesn’t have to stop at taking them for a walk. If you’re looking to mix things up, try going for a swim with them (just be aware of harsh pool chemicals and how they might affect your pet!) or try doga—that’s right, yoga with your dog!
They’re great support for seniors. If you help care for an elderly loved one, you know there can be many challenges. Many seniors suffer from physical ailments that may make it difficult to get out and socialize, which can leave them feeling lonely and sad. AgingCare.com points out that pets can be great companions for the elderly, offering them physical benefits such as lower blood pressure and emotional support in the form of unconditional, constant love.
Of course, there may come a time when your elderly loved one can no longer live on their own. As this article on what to look for in an elder care facility points out, you’ll want to make sure the facility chosen for your loved one has certain amenities, such as activities for residents, but I’d add one more to the list: Make sure they can bring their pet. Many facilities do allow it, and when your loved one is able to bring along their furry friend, it can make the transition to a care facility go a lot more smoothly.
They can assist Alzheimer’s patients. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death among people 60 and older. It is certainly a devastating disease, but on a more positive note, it’s another area where our four-legged friends are proving to be very beneficial to our health. PsychologyToday.com explains that service dogs are now being trained to assist people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The article notes that the dogs are trained to help their humans stick to their daily routine, guiding them through bathing, eating, staying hydrated, and so on, each day. In doing so, the article points out the dogs not only serve as a companion but help their humans “maintain a meaningful daily routine which thus adds to the quality of life.”
They boost our kids’ immune systems. And finally, dogs aren’t just great for us adults. They also directly benefit children. And not only in the ways you might be thinking. Yes, most pets are fun to play with and provide kids with an outlet for physical activity and companionship. But they can also prevent illness. A recent study found that when they’re exposed to animals early in life, kids actually build stronger immune systems. So, if you’ve been debating whether to get your kids that puppy they’ve been asking for, there’s your reason to take the plunge!
Whether you choose a dog, cat, or fish, pets offer an incredibly fulfilling way to stay healthy. So, go give your pet an extra pat on the head to thank them for being such a beneficial addition to your life!
***
Vee Cecil wants health and wellness for all, including our four-legged friends. In addition to being a Kentucky-based wellness coach and bootcamp instructor, she recently launched a blog where she shares her favorite health tips, advice, and recipes.