By Andrea Molitoris Kozlowski
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR
May is National Pet Month. As we take a moment to celebrate our pets, it’s important to acknowledge the many benefits that having a companion animal 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, archaeologists have found dog remains buried with human remains as far back as 15,800 years ago in Turkey.
Pets come in many different shapes, sizes and species. Whether you are a cat/dog person, a reptile lover or marine life enthusiast, having a pet that is right for you can enrich your 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’s 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 your relationship with your pet flourish and make the time and bond you share a stronger and more positive experience.
Here are seven ways a pet can boost your 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, producing 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 your body to enter and remain in a REM, or deep sleep, state 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 is simply having someone to be active with daily. Although pets cannot go to the gym with you, their general presence in life encourages — sometimes requires — you to have more movement, whether it’s going for walks around the neighborhood, visiting a local park or going to the store for pet supplies. Also, they help with step goals and soaking in some extra vitamin D by forcing you outside more.
If you have pets like mine — who 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 — you’re familiar with the extra activity they promote.
Pets enable 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 that help shape a regular routine of movement, care and task completion, encouraging 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 a sense of happiness throughout life.
People also note there is a greater sense of safety and protection found at home when they have a pet companion. Even watching fish swim in an aquarium can be relaxing and enjoyable.
Don’t forget, pets are great listeners and help to reduce the loneliness you can feel at times. Their quirky and unique personalities can leave you laughing, smiling and engaged through the day, drawing more joy and happiness from the relationship.
Pets increase social support
Not only are pets a form of social support by themselves, they encourage more community engagement and interactions. Visits to parks and pet-friendly events help create friendships and a sense of community through participation in activities geared toward pet owners.
Additionally, pets help with general social engagement via conversation, picture sharing and even training classes, making you feel more accepted and valued.
Pets assist with child development
Having a pet while raising a child has been shown to help kids learn responsibility, exhibit fewer behavioral issues, and encourage sharing and thoughtfulness to others. The responsibility that comes with caring for a pet also has been shown to help children develop better attention and focus on tasks at hand in an environment that is calm 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 me every day.
Remember, although a pet might be a relatively small part of your life, to them you are their whole life — so make sure it’s the best life possible. Together, you will form a bond that enhances your life in many ways, including your health and wellness.
Guest contributor Andrea Molitoris Kozlowski, P.T., D.P.T., is a doctor of physical therapy and an associate at Mackarey Physical Therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit.
Paul J. Mackarey, P.T., D.H.Sc., is a doctor in health sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. He is in private practice in Scranton and Clarks Summit and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Email: mackareypt@gmail.com.
