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When facilitating small groups at our center, one of my favorite ice breakers when I just want something fun to get everyone talking, is to show a picture of either their pet or an animal they wish was their pet. And trust me, it gets people talking!
Just like the rest of us, Leeza absolutely adores her pet. He’s a sweet rescue pup that goes by Biggie. Biggie is the focus of many of Leeza’s photos across her Instagram and Facebook. But in addition to all the cuddles and fun, like all our pets, Biggie also helps to encourage a happier and healthier life for Leeza too.
Aside from being darned cute, studies now suggest that having a pet can help to prevent cognitive decline, promote physical activity, improve mood, and alleviate feelings of anxiety and loneliness.
1. Helping Us Prevent Cognitive Decline
A recent study presented at the 73rd Annual American Neurologist Association, suggests that owning a pet over a long period of time can lead to slower cognitive decline. In this study they found that, “Prior studies have suggested that
the human-animal bond may have health benefits like decreasing blood pressure and stress”. Their results suggest owning a pet may also be protective against cognitive decline.
2. Promoting Physical Activity
When owning a pet, a whole new list of monthly, weekly and daily activities get added to the do list. For dogs, this includes walking them. Fortunately for you, helping them get exercise and go to the bathroom, also helps you get your steps in! In an article from the Harvard Magazine, in a section written by Faculty and Staff, research has found that those who own dogs are more likely to achieve 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week—the medically recommended guideline.
For cats or less active dogs, feeding them daily, standing up and moving around to play with them, even getting in your car to go pick up food or litter all are tasks that help to increase your activity.
3. Decreasing Stress
It’s not a myth, pets can help to decrease stress. An article from Brain and Life Magazine, highlighted a preliminary study that found similar patterns of brain activity indicating relaxation when a person when interacting with their own pet. Interacting with your pet can even lower your cortisol levels helping to bring your body back to baseline.
4. Alleviating Anxiety
When it’s hard to get the right words out, animals help facilitate connection through relationships without words. Our pets also provide sensory relief through touch, smell, and sound. For many, having a pet can make it feel like someone is on your side, like you have support (American Heart Association).
5. Combat Depression & Loneliness
Just having an animal around can make a house feel less empty, hearing the tapping of little feet on the floor and energy in a familiar space. Having a pet can also make it easier to sleep at night and having good sleep hygiene can also help improve mood and depression.
For the Caregivers specifically, Depression often hits close to home with around 40%-70% have significant symptoms of Depression.
So next time you see your furry friend or think about a special pet you had, remember all they helped you with and more.
If you can, we recommend literally telling them thank you! They will have no clue what you’re talking about, but they’ll probably just be happy they’re hanging out with you. And that’s why we love them.
As an added bonus, please enjoy this compilation of photos of Leeza and Biggie! : )
If you are currently struggling with a family pet, weighing the benefits and risks of keeping a pet or trying to navigate placing a pet, we absolutely understand. Check out this resource from Harvard Health Publishing. We also recommend this helpful resource from our friends at Heirloom Safe on Choosing a Loving Guardian for Your Pet.
Sources
American Academy of Neurology. (2022, February 23). Do pets have a positive effect of your brain health? https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/4957#:~:text=Taking%20into%20account%20other%20factors,compared%20to%20non%2Dpet%20owners
American Heart Association. (2021. May 21) 5 Ways Pets Help with Stress and Mental Health. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pets-as-coworkers/pets-and-mental-health
News in Health. (2018. February) The Power of Pets