Health & Travel - How Many Ways Can Pets Improve Your Health?

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Ways that Pets Can Love You

• Dogs & other animals can really love you. Double lovin' if you have treats! They don't judge, they love unconditionally.

• Any animal with a personality can provide hours of entertainment. As you laugh out loud or ooh & aah, the warm-fuzzies will infuse your whole being.

• Having the worst day ever? Most dogs are sensitive to hurt/sad feelings as well as painful injuries - and they'll want to comfort you. Hug each other. Other animals are happy to cuddle too, even big farm animals.

• Pets sometimes like to "show off". When they go all out spastic & take a tumble, they'll glance your way as if to say "I did that on purpose". And presto: you're on your way to a happier you.

• Need a hiking partner? Your dog is at the front door waiting before you can grab his leash. Don't have a dog - no worries. I've seen people walk goats, mini-pigs, and donkeys. Or, tuck your pet in a backpack so you both get fresh air.

• Too exhausted to walk tonight? Give him a peanut butter treat & he'll happily snuggle on the couch for a movie night. Pet too big for the house? Use your laptop, grab a blankie, and lay down outside with Giggles the goat.

Photo left: Benny was another rescue, and he was the best. He loved to snuggle & go exploring on hikes especially at the beach. In the winter, I'd catch him taking a nap after he'd wiggled himself under the covers. And, he thought my pillow was community property! He passed almost a year ago, and I can say he had a full & happy 18 years. I miss him most of all.

Photo below left: My little Mindy. I rescued her when she was 10 and learned she came from a puppy mill. She was the momma, making babies litter after litter which weakened her body. She was precious but only had 1 tooth left so her tongue was usually out. Dang girl - how did all that roll up in your mouth to begin with?

How do Pets Improve Your Health?

Pets, especially those you can touch, cuddle, and play with can help improve your mental, physical, and emotional health.

Mental & Emotional Health

• Pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Petting, playing, or snuggling can decrease cortisol - the stress hormone. At the same time, it increases oxytocin - the love hormone.

• They're great companions so you won't feel alone. And, they're a great tool to help you meet other people while you're out for a walk.

• They give you a purpose - to care for them.

• They can provide comfort when you're sad, upset, afraid, or stressed.

• They boost your confidence & lift your mood so you're more relaxed & happier.

• And, they help children develop their social & emotional skills.

Physical Health

• Pets that are mobile like horses, goats, dogs, etc. give you the perfect opportunity to get outside & go for an enjoyable walk.

• Any kind of fun, outdoor activity will help you lower blood pressure, improve your good cholesterol, strengthen bones & muscles, boost heart health, and help clear your mind & give it a reboot. And, outdoor activity is more fun with your pet.

• Various studies have shown that people who walked their dogs on a regular basis were more likely to be at a healthier weight, have stable blood sugar levels, and eat healthier than those who don't own dogs.

• If you're a cat person, or love teddy bear hamsters or reptiles (gross) - get a pet carrier or backpack so both of you can get outside for fresh air.

• Moving around to keep your body flexible & mobile is one of the best anti-aging practices we can do. And when you're loved one isn't available to go with you, your pets always are.

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