The Health Benefits of Our Furry Friends
Greg Osberg, LSWAIC (He/Him/His)
Most pet owners are quick to tell you of the joy and love that comes with their furry friends. Here at VWS we are no exception, so, in addition to meeting the pets of VWS staff, we wanted to share with you some of the health benefits pets have to offer.
First, pets are acutely attuned to our emotions. This means pets can be integral in reducing our overall stress and provide much needed support through companionship. There has also been a lot of research supporting the link of pets in supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, and other mental health needs. With this attunement, pets support our basic need for connection and do so through reading our tone of voice, body language, etc. As such, they are wonderful at helping us co regulate when we feel overwhelmed.
Pets also fulfill a need for touch. Whether we are cuddling our pets, giving our dog or cats a pet, or just having them lay down next to us, this touch can rapidly calm or sooth our body and help reduce stress levels. Many people have a hard time dealing with the isolation that has accompanied the pandemic. We have been unable to hug our family and friends the way we once did. This touch deprivation can make us feel isolated and overwhelmed and there is no better companion in these moments than our furry friends. For example, my kitten Watson and my dog Teddy who is featured below has been keeping me company through all the shut downs.
Pets can also encourage us to be more active and live healthier lives. Pets require us to take them on walks, feed them regularly, and go outside. These actions, while simple in nature, can be critical in helping building habits toward a healthier life. For example, “60 % of dog owners who took their dogs for regular walks were considered to get regular moderate or vigorous exercise.” Here are some local dog parks you may be interested in checking out.
Finally, having pets around can actually do wonders for our immune system. Studies have shown that children who were exposed to dogs and cats as babies were half as likely to have allergies and risk factors for asthma as they grew up than those who had no pets. This benefit increased with more pets in the home.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope you enjoy seeing all of our lovely pet pictures. I hope this reminds you of all the lovely ways pets improve our lives.