It’s no secret that having a pet can make us feel happier, but did you know that pets can also help us be healthier? Our four-footed friends can enhance and possibly even extend our lives in many ways.
First, consider the emotional benefits. Pets can:
- Provide companionship so that we enjoy life more and feel loved every day
- Help us connect with other people and broaden our social circle
- Give us a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that another living being depends on us
- Alleviate feelings of boredom, loneliness or isolation
- Make us feel more secure, both in our homes and in ourselves
- Show us how to focus more on the present and be grateful for what we have right now
Now, think about the effects those emotional benefits have on us physically. When we’re feeling more engaged and more satisfied with our life, we tend to take better care of ourselves and be more optimistic. That alone can lead to better health outcomes.
But there’s more. Research suggests that having a pet can:
- Reduce stress by lowering levels of cortisol (a hormone that prepares us to “fight or flee”) and increasing serotonin and dopamine (hormones that make us feel good) in the brain
- Lower our heart rate and blood pressure
- Lower our cholesterol and/or triglycerides, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Ease pain, including post-surgical pain
- Stimulate the brain and memory
Another benefit is the increase in physical activity that often comes with having a pet, especially a dog — and we all know the advantages of spending less time on the couch!
For people who are sick, pets can provide excellent motivation to get better quicker, even for those with a serious illness such as cancer. For people who show symptoms of “sundown syndrome” — a phenomenon often associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in which the person becomes restless, agitated or confused later in the day — having a pet around can be calming and help keep them occupied and connected.
Should you get a pet?
If you’re thinking about inviting a pet into your life, it’s important to think it all the way through. Along with those friendly greetings and snuggle sessions, a pet brings additional responsibility and expense. Being a pet owner is a long-term commitment that often calls for planning ahead.
Here are a few points to consider:
- What are your living arrangements? Is there enough room to comfortably accommodate your pet? Do you have a backyard or somewhere else to walk and play with a dog? Does your community or lease agreement prohibit you from having a pet or restrict you to a certain size, breed or number of pets? At Sun Heath Communities, we know that pets enrich people’s lives. You are welcome to bring your beloved companion if you move to one of our Community locations, or adopt one after you get here.
- Do you travel frequently, or plan to? If you enjoy taking trips, you can still have a pet, of course. Maybe you can even take your pet with you — but if not, you’ll need to have a plan in place for boarding your pet or having a pet sitter visit while you’re gone.
- Are you able to take care of a pet? All pets need regular upkeep, and some require more than others. Do you have the time, physical ability and flexibility in your routine to exercise, groom, play with, shop for and clean up after a pet? Or, is there a friend or family member who can help? Sun Health’s Life Plan Communities offer various pet-related services, including dog walking, cleanup, regular feeding and transport to local vets and groomers, to help keep your pet healthy. We also offer Sun Health At Home members similar assistance through referrals to supportive services.
What would be the best pet for you?
Maybe you’ve decided that you would enjoy the companionship of a pet. The next step is to figure out what kind of pet would best fit into your lifestyle and your home. Here are some more things to think about:
- The type of pet. While dogs and cats are the most common companion animals, a different kind of pet might be a better choice for some people. Allergies, the risk of injury (e.g., falling while walking a dog or tripping over a cat) and other factors might lead you to consider a less conventional companion, such as a parakeet, chinchilla or bearded dragon.
- The pet’s age. Puppies, kittens and other baby animals can make your heart melt — but they can also require a lot of time, energy and effort. Do you want to take on the work of training a puppy, or would you prefer one that’s already housebroken and socialized? Are you prepared for a puppy or kitten that gets into (and possibly chews on) everything?
- The pet’s lifespan. Depending on their breed, cats and dogs can live to be 15-20 years old, and certain kinds of birds and turtles can live for several decades. Other pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, have shorter lifespans.
- The pet’s size. Bear in mind not only your living space when thinking about the size of a potential pet but also whether you can physically manage a larger animal. Can you lift a large dog, or even a large cat, to take it to the vet, or is there someone who can help you?
- The pet’s temperament. Excitable, energetic young pets often calm down as they get older, but certain breeds, like Jack Russell Terriers and Abyssinians, continue to be “high energy” pets even when they’re older. Also, some pets tend to bond with just one person, while others happily share their affection with anyone who’s willing.
It’s always a good idea to meet your potential new friend in person before making your final decision. Once you’ve chosen your pet, do your best to make sure it’s healthy before bringing it home, especially if you or anyone in your home has a weakened immune system.
Not ready for a pet of your own?
There are plenty of alternatives that can give you loads of enjoyment without the long-term responsibility. You could consider volunteering at a local shelter, or being a foster “pet parent” or pet sitter. You could also arrange or participate in pet therapy sessions. Sharing even small amounts of time with a furry or feathered friend can be rewarding for both of you!
