Paws-itive Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health And Boost Your Mood
April 11th is National Pet Day, a day to celebrate the furry friends in our lives and the joy they bring to us! 🐕🐈🐩🐈⬛
Pets have numerous health benefits, both physical and mental, and can help us feel better even when we're having a ruff day.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the paw-some ways pets can improve our health and boost our mood.
Reduced stress and anxiety
One of the most well-known benefits of having a pet is the reduction in stress and anxiety levels. Petting a dog or cat has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), and release oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone). These effects can help us feel more relaxed and calm, which can be especially helpful when we're feeling stressed or anxious.
Improved physical health
Pets can also have a positive impact on our physical health. Walking a dog, for example, can help increase our physical activity levels and improve our cardiovascular health. Studies have also shown that pet owners have lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Increased social And Emotional support
Pets can also provide us with social support and companionship, which can be especially important when we're going through a tough time. Pets offer us comfort and companionship, and can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
How pets can help cancer patients
I work for a nonprofit called Culinary Care, we deliver free made-to-order restaurant lunches directly to patients fighting cancer during chemotherapy. So while researching, I also wanted to see how pets can benefit cancer patients. Here’s what I found out…
For cancer patients, the benefits of having a pet can be especially important. Research has shown that pet therapy can help reduce anxiety, depression, and pain levels in cancer patients. Pet therapy involves using trained animals to provide emotional support and companionship to patients, and can take place in hospitals, treatment centers, or at home.
In addition to providing emotional support, pets can also help cancer patients stay active and engaged. Walking a dog, for example, can help cancer patients maintain their physical activity levels and improve their overall health. Pets can also provide a sense of purpose and meaning, which can be especially important for cancer patients who may be struggling with their diagnosis and treatment.
Overall, pets are just a fur-tastic addition to your life. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving our physical health, pets offer a wide range of benefits that can help us feel better both physically and mentally. So on this National Pet Day, take a moment to appreciate the furry friends in your life and all the joy they bring! (Special shoutout to my pup Joey — I LOVE YOU BUDDY!!!!! 🐕)
XOXO Haylie, dog Mom/Lover
Psst… Dog lover? Looking For More? Check Out:
Sourced from: OpenAI (2023) and credible pet resources