Guest Author: Andrea Molitoris Kozlowski, PT, DPT - Andrea is a doctor of physical therapy and an associate at Mackarey Physical Therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit.
May is national pet month! As we take a moment to celebrate our pets it is important to acknowledge the many contributions having a pet brings to our lives, not the least of which is improving our health and wellness. Pets have a long history of helping humans navigate daily life. In fact, the oldest record of having a pet date back 15,800 years ago in Turkey where archaeologists found dog remains buried with humans.
Pets come in many different shapes, sizes, and species. Whether you are a cat/dog person, a reptilian lover, or marine life enthusiast, having a pet that is right for you can enrich you life in many ways. If you have never had a pet before or might be thinking about adopting a new addition to the house, it is important to research first and know the right ways to care for your new friend in the best way possible. Being a responsible pet owner will help to flourish your relationship with your pet and make the time and bond you share a stronger and more positive experience.
7 Reasons Having a Pet is Good for Your Health & Wellness:
Pets are good for your health.
Studies show that having a pet in your life helps to lower the amount of stress your body feels by reducing the amount of cortisol your body produces. Cortisol is a natural steroid hormone your body produces at times of stress to help regulate and balance how your body deals with that stress. By having a pet, your body’s natural level of cortisol lowers helping to better regulate and control your blood sugar levels, inflammation, and overall metabolism leading to a healthier you.
Pets help you sleep better.
Research also shows that those who sleep with their pets are more calm, comforted, and relaxed to produce a better quality of sleep compared to those who do not sleep with their pets. The warmth and comfort of having them near you allows the body to enter and remain in a REM or deep sleep more easily. In addition, the lower cortisol levels, encouraged by your pet, help to better regulate your sleep-wake cycle and provide you with an improved quality of sleep.
Pets can increase activity and movement.
One of the best motivators to being more active and engaged throughout life stems from having someone to be active with daily. Although pets cannot go to the gym with you, their general presence in life requires you to have more movement and encouragement to move whether it is going for walks around the neighborhood, a visit to the local park, or going to the store for pet supplies. Also, they help with step goals and soaking in some extra Vitamin D by being outside more! If you have pets like mine, they require me to get up and down from my seat at least 30 times a day to let them in and out of the house… and that’s being generous!
Pets enable more consistency and structure in daily life.
Owning a pet helps to create a schedule and routine for everyday life. Studies suggest that pets provide structure for daily life and responsibilities helping to shape a regular routine of movement, care, and task completion that encourages you to be more punctual and attentive to what needs to be done.
Pets help with feelings of depression and anxiety.
Research shows that pets, regardless of what kind, provide a sense of companionship and unconditional love for their owner. This relationship helps to boost mood and sense of happiness throughout life. Those with pets also note that there is a greater sense of safety and protection found at home when they have a pet companion. Some even find watching their fish swim in their bowl relaxing and an enjoyable pass time. Don’t forget, pets are great listeners and help to reduce the loneliness that one can feel at times by keeping you company with a listening ear. In addition, their quirky and unique personalities always leave you laughing, smiling, and engaged through the day encouraging more joy and happiness from the relationship.
Pets increase social support.
Not only are pets a form of social support independently, but they encourage more community engagement and interactions compared to not having a pet. Visits to the parks and pet-friendly events help to create other friendships and sense of community by participating in activities and events geared towards pet-owners. Additionally, pets help with general social engagement via conversation, picture sharing, and even training classes making a person feel more accepted and valued.
Pets assist with child development.
Having a pet while raising a child has been shown to help children learn responsibility, exhibit fewer behavioral issues, and encourage sharing and thoughtfulness to others. The responsibility that comes with caring for a pet also has shown to help a child develop better attention and focus on tasks at hand in an environment that is calmer and encouraging.
Making an informed and thoughtful decision about getting a pet is important. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, do some research, or simply take some time to figure out the logistics of how adding a pet can influence your life. From personal experience, I could not imagine my life without my four-legged friends by my side to share, enjoy, and enrich my every day. Having a pet can be one of the best parts of life. Remember, although having a pet can be a small part of your life; to them, you are their whole life, so make sure it can be the best life possible. Together, you will form of a bond that in enhances you life in many ways, including your health and wellness!
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body. Keep moving, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.
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This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
