Puppy therapy…the paw truth about how your furry little friend can boost your health and mood

Apart from being the cutest things in the world, pets come with some powerful health benefits. As a psychologist I will share with you some of the mood benefits of pets, and as a human, I will also share all the non-scientific adoration that I have for them which I think is probably just as powerful. I have always had pets in my life ever since childhood and I know in the few brief periods where I may not have had my own pet, I have certainly not been the best version of myself. It has been a realisation for me that I know I am at my best when I have a pet and I now don’t expect to ever have one of those times without one, ever again.

Now as much as I love all pets, my heart very much belongs to dogs. They love you unconditionally and are always up for a play or cuddle…I think the song should be dogs just wanna have fun (much more so than girls haha)! They are also incredibly in tune with human emotions. I can think of some of my darkest moments, a cancer diagnosis, recovering from surgery or having a miscarriage and somehow a dog just knows. It might the be gentle rest of their head on your knee, a curl up into your lap or just that they play more gently with you. To me, quite simply, dogs are one of the biggest joys humans can have in life and is something to be cherished every day.

So my childhood dog was Bubbles, a beautiful Caviller Kind Charles Spaniel. And yes I got to name her – not sure my parents were too happy with the choice but it was at a time I loved bubble baths! Then shortly after my husband and I got married, we adopted a German Shepherd named Zeus. Just a little more work than a Caviller! Zeus was my world, he stayed with me for long periods my husband was away and was my fitness instructor (he was so fit and strong) and my protector. I say that because he was intimidating to look at but my goodness he was the biggest softie. He would purr like a cat when he was patted – I kid you not! And now I have adorable Odin who is a French Bulldog. The description of ‘clown’ has never fit a breed better, they are always up for fun but are incredibly affectionate and happy to cuddle with you as long as you want. Perfect for my life!

So what are the benefits of pets?

Most pet owners know the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives pets, however, many of us remain unaware of the bonus physical and mental health benefits, that are now being scientifically explored, that come with our furry friends.

Pets have evolved to become acutely attuned to our behavior and emotions. Dogs, for example, are able to understand up to 300 words (that’s similar to a 2 year old child) but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. And as much as we like to think this is because they love us, it’s also because they are trying to work out when their next meal or walk might be!

Pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health – that’s right gym membership! People with pets often experience greater health benefits than those without. I’d like to share some fun facts with you:

·         Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.

·         Pet owners 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.

·         Playing with a dog, cat, or other pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine (those are our happy hormones), which also calm and relax.

·         Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.

·         Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without

·         Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.

Recent thinking is that one of the reasons for these therapeutic effects is that pets fulfil the basic human need for touch. Even hardened criminals in prison show long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with pets, many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe you when you’re stressed or anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, add routine to your day and most dogs,  in particular, are a great stimulus for healthy exercise (they make you walk), which can substantially boost your mood and ease anxiety and depression.

Bottom line here is that pets are awesome! The argument against pets I so often hear is that they cost money, are a lot of work and limit your travel plans. My counter to these would be that if we did a pro and con list for pets, none of these come close to comparing to what the benefits are. Quality and reasonably priced pet food is readily available online and delivered to your front door now. And if you want a low-maintenance pet, be selective in your choice – don’t get a dog if you don’t want to regularly walk (although the health benefits are there so if you re physically able to – why wouldn’t you!). And travel, so many hotels are pet friendly now and for that odd overseas vacation you take, there are wonderful pet sitters, hotels, resorts – you name it. Better to have a companion to fill your life with joy for 50 weeks of the year than not get have a pet based on 2 weeks of the year you might go away. I am so grateful for all the joy and love I have received from the pets in my life, Odin who is still with me and Zeus and Bubbles who are forever in my heart x