During the COVID outbreak, the CDC and WHO has advised us to self-quarantine, so we are now limiting our interaction with other people. But that doesn’t mean we have to limit our time with our best friends, our dog or cat. We need to find activities that stimulate our minds and helps ease the aspect of mental boredom. One way that Sasquatch overcomes his boredom is by playing with puppies! This helps to stimulate the brain as well as release feel-good chemicals in the body.
Not to mention the benefits our pets get out of it. Interactive games like throwing a ball and having them fetch helps your dog build their focus and discipline. It also helps your dog stay alert and youthful feeling. Pets have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. Dogs, for example, can understand many of the words we use, but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking and feeling. They also try to work out when the next walk or treat might be coming, of course.
Studies have found
- Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
- Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.
- Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
- People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets. One study even found that when people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined significantly within five months.
- Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.
- Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.
- While people with pets often experience the greatest health benefits, a pet doesn’t necessarily have to be a dog or a cat. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and lower pulse rate.
There are some other benefits that pets bring to the table that are not always thought of.
- Adding structure. Like children, pets appreciate a scheduled life to make them feel comfortable in their environment.
- Providing sensory stress relief. Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress. Petting a dog, cat, or other animals can lower blood pressure and help you quickly feel calmer and less stressed.
- Companionship is a big deal for people and what better way to achieve this but through a pet. Especially in single people, pets can provide a relationship unlike any other.
- Running or walking the dog can add exercise to one’s life unintentionally. Pets require a lot of time outdoors so why go with them and go play? Be sure to grab your RLVNT sunglasses on your way out the door to be able to clearly see your walking path in all light conditions.
We all love our pets so be sure to tag us on social media so we can see your furry friends as you go out and play this month.