By Janet McAfee
Looking for a holistic way to improve your health? Consider adopted a special rescue cat or dog. Approximately 65% of American households own a pet. Most of them say the number one reason for having a pet is the love, company and affection they provide. While it’s true they are great companions, studies show there are other profound health benefits.
- They help recovery from heart attacks. A National Institute of Health Study of 421 adults found that dog owners had a better one-year survival after a heart attack.
- Pets help us calm down. A study of 240 married couples showed that pet owners had lower heart rates and blood pressure as compared to those without pets. A purring cat sitting on your lap helps you to relax.
3. Pet owners have less obesity. A study looking at 2,000 adults found that pet owners who walked a dog had less rates of obesity and were more physically active than those without one.
4. Pet owners have better mobility in their golden years. Another NIH study looking at 2500 adults aged 71-82 who regularly walked dogs had more mobility INSIDE the house than Non-pet owners.
5. Pets increase opportunities for socialization. When you walk a dog, you meet neighbors and have more conversations.
6. Pets can help cholesterol levels. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that owning a dog or cat can decrease cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.
- Pets can comfort children. Child psychologists have found that pets can be very comforting to children and help them develop empathy. They can also help autistic children with Socialization and becoming more verbal.
I adopted an adorable Terrier rescue dog to my friend and neighbor Sherylle some years ago. She wasn’t looking for a dog at that time, but when we dropped by it was love at first sight when she saw Missy.
Sherylle had become a home owner again in 1998, but having her Dad and his dog stay for awhile made her think twice about getting a pet. It seemed like their activities would revolve around the dog’s potty schedule, and she had concerns about walking a dog in the desert heat. Several years later her dad passed away and there were times of loneliness.
Missy became Sherylle’s dog on June 13, 2009. It was a close friend’s birthday, and Sherylle called to wish her a happy day, adding, “I didn’t get you a present, but I got one for myself, a new dog!” She describes her experience of having a dog in her life again, “Adopting Missy was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Having a dog gets me outside and exercise more often. It’s been interesting to meet the other neighbors who have dogs. Missy keeps me amused. I’ll be reading the newspaper, and she walks right across it to get my attention. She’s always happy!”
Sherylle offers advice to other seniors who are thinking of getting a dog. “If you’re in your 70’s, get one of the older dogs over 4 years old in a shelter. I was 70 when I adopted Missy, and probably wouldn’t have selected a dog that was only a year old which Missy was at that time. Most dogs live for 15 years, and you need a plan in case anything happens to you. Getting a dog gives you a new lease on life if you are too sedentary or reclusive. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people. Dogs are also good for your health, and having one can lower your blood pressure.”
No matter what age you are, pet ownership may be a path to your good health. Our crowded Riverside County shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, has hundreds of adoptable animals waiting for homes, www.rcdas.org. Contact Loving All Animals shelter in Coachella at (760) 834-7000 about their rescue dogs and cats.
Fall in love with a dog or cat and improve your health as a side benefit!
