You may think of techniques like yoga or meditation when it comes to trying to reduce stress. These are both great options to keep in your arsenal, but my personal favorite, which not only relieves stress but offers numerous other health benefits as well, is spending time with my furbabies. I count my dogs among my best friends. They’re loyal, unconditionally loving, and care about me without strings. They’ll jump up and lick my cheek when they think I’m sad, wait with bated breath when they think I’m talking to them, and sprint to the door with wagging tails every time I come home. They are my favorite running partners, and the cutest darn mooches I know. As it turns out, numerous studies have shown that pets like dogs and cats are not only great companions, but they’re good for your mental and physical health as well.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 57 percent of U.S. households own one or more pets. Nearly half of the AVMA survey respondents considered their pets to be companions, and only about 2 percent considered them to be property. A study performed by the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University found that 97 percent of people talk to their pets. The human-animal bond is becoming increasingly strong in our society. So unless you’re allergic, uncomfortable around animals, or don’t have the means to care for one, get out there and find yourself a furry friend.
Dr. Deborah Wells of the Animal Behaviour Centre of Queens University, Belfast, found that dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, fewer minor physical ailments, and are less likely to develop serious medical problems. She also found that dogs seem to aid recovery from serious illnesses (like heart attacks). Wells states, “It is possible that dogs can directly promote our well-being by buffering us from stress. The ownership of a dog can also lead to increases in physical activity and facilitate the development of social contacts, which may enhance physiological and psychological human health in a more indirect manner”. Research has shown that pets can help reduce stress and blood pressure in owners, increase longevity in those who’ve had heart attacks, and even relax and improve the appetites of Alzheimer’s patients. According to Dr. Lynette Hart of the Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (University of California), studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home. Biologist Erika Friedmann, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing takes it a step further, “Any disease condition that has a stress-related component to it, we believe pets could ameliorate stress and moderate the situation”.
Pets can also stave off feelings of loneliness, improve your mood, and lessen the likelihood of depression (particularly in response to feelings of social isolation and lack of social support from people). Pets listen without judgment, and support you no matter what. They are always there for you. And in terms of improving your mood, playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine — nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties. Pets have a wonderful impact on your life, and can be there for you in ways that people can’t. Click here to see what I mean.
Pets also encourage exercise, which is good for stress management and overall health. Dogs need to be walked, and cats fed. They get you up off the couch and moving. Walks force pet owners to get out and socialize instead of sitting around wallowing in self pity, or stewing in stress hormones, which can improve mood (not to mention the calories burned). Besides, when we’re out walking, having a dog with us can make us more approachable and give people a reason to stop and talk, thereby increasing the number of people we meet, giving us an opportunity to increase our network of friends and acquaintances, which also has great stress management benefits. A dog is a natural conversation starter. I mean, when I run alone the most that I might hear is a hello every now and then. With my dogs I’m constantly being asked about their breeds and told how cute they are out on the running trails. They’re natural conversation starters that help ease people out of social isolation or shyness.
But wait! Before you run out and adopt a mastiff to share your studio apartment, do your research. Be sure to choose a pet whose personality, size, and requirements align with your needs, abilities, and living situation. And spread the word to all those crazy cat ladies out there, although they make great companions, pets are still no substitute for real (human) friends and family.
Tags: dogs, health, pets, stress
September 10th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Great stuff! I couldn’t agree more. When the wife and kids are away for an extended period of time, (maybe a wedding in North Carolina?) I definitely have to rely on my dogs. They’ve helped me feel safer at night as well as kept me in a cheery mood by having someone to conversate with instead of yelling at the television.
It creates an even stronger bond when you have a spouse and kids. It’s like they realize you’re bummed because the rest of the family is gone, they’re bummed with you and wanna make you feel better. Nice article.
September 10th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I absolutely agree. Adelaide (our cat) has been a joy in our lives. She makes us laugh, comforts us when we are apart from each other (like if Jon is out of town or vice versa), but the unconditional love is what really touches me. She is my new constant companion and I am thrilled to have a new addition to our household.
Because we don’t have a yard, we didn’t want to adopt a dog because we knew we couldn’t give it the environment it needed. A cat on the other hand is the perfect small house or apartment pet for those who don’t have the luxury of a yard or good walking locations.
I also like how you encourage adoption!! There are thousands upon thousands of cats, dogs, bunnies, etc that are in need of loving pet parents. Shelters often already spay, neuter, and give up to date shots for the animals so it helps a new pet owner get all their ducks in a row before venturing into the animal kingdom.
September 11th, 2009 at 6:50 am
I agree! I love my furbabies!