Article - Taking Care of Fido is Good for You!

Animals are fun to have around, can be great with children and are good companions. What many people don't know is that animals can help lower your blood-pressure, reduce stress, decrease depression, increase socialization and even reduce the frequency of minor health problems. Dynamic Living has been looking at the current research and would like to share its findings with you on how pets can keep you mentally and physically healthier.

Emotional Health:

• Studies show that loneliness causes the same physical reactions as high amounts of stress. Stress has been linked to cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disorders and depression. People connect with their pets on an emotional level, which can alleviate loneliness, reduce anxiety and even increase self-esteem. Pets are good listeners and offer unconditional love.

• Touch is one of the most important ways of connecting with others. Often as we get older, we have fewer opportunities for the simple joys of playing and touching. Without loved ones around, we can go weeks or sadly even months without touching another person in a caring way. Animals can help us to include touch in our lives. Animals need (and yes, sometimes demand!) that we pet and stroke them on a daily basis.

• A pet, particularly a dog, can often make you feel more secure. Barking or other attention-seeking behavior may alert you to a stranger or a dangerous situation. In a study funded by the Delta Society and the National Institute of Aging, 25% of the respondents stated that their pet made them feel more secure. Urban seniors, especially, can benefit from this added sense of security an animal can bring. Whether your dog is guarding your home, or accompanying you on a walk, you can rest assured their bark will draw attention (even if their bite is not so scary). Even cats can help you feel more secure, since many cats will meow when strangers appear and some will even attack an unknown prowler.

• A large number of pet owners claim that they feel needed. As a result they've developed a stronger sense of responsibility, maintaining a daily routine for the sake of the animal (who needs to be fed, given water, let out or walked at certain times). The daily routine creates a sense of constancy and purpose.

Enhanced Communication:

• In group settings (such as nursing homes), studies have shown that time spent with an animal can increase social and verbal communication amongst group members. The animal can be the point of conversation, taking the focus off individuals and giving people the confidence to speak.

• In purely social settings, pets offer a point of interest that people can share. Funny pet stories, how you found your pet, and where you go for pet supplies all provide potential topics of conversation.

• Having a pet often requires an individual to get out of the house and provides opportunities to meet people. Animals need to be brought to the vet on occasion. Dogs must be walked or at least taken outside on a daily basis. Excursions to the park or down the street afford the opportunity to get out of the house and meet with others. Dogs, as the social creatures they are, will naturally encourage you to talk to complete strangers - as they interact with the stranger's dog, so the owners will also interact.

Physical Well-being:
According to studies that have been done on the general health benefits of animals, pets can actually help:

• Lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels

• Increase physical activity

• Lower blood pressure

• Cope with stressful events without the use of medical intervention

• Reduce minor health problems

• Improve the eating habits and behavior of people with Alzheimer's disease. A study noted that the mere presence of a fish tank in the dining area soothed patients and increased food intake an average of 30%.

Clearly, maintaining a pet can be a wonderful experience in many ways. A new pet may give your health a boost, increase your socialization, and make you feel more secure, all the while being a wonderful companion and friend. But you need to be sure that having a pet is the right thing for you (or your loved one). Whether you are choosing an animal for yourself or a loved one, be sure you pick a pet that is right in your particular circumstances.

• Do you or your loved one have enough space?

• What kind of pet will be to easiest to care for?

• What will happen when the pet owner is no longer able to care either for themselves or the animal?

• Does their living situation allow animals?

• Which animals do you (or your loved one) like?

Choosing a pet is a big commitment, but it is one that can bring many rewards to those willing to open their hearts, minds and homes.