The Health Benefits of Having a Pet

Hello, Shirley! In honor of the “dog days of summer,” this week’s issue is going to the dogs… literally! While you are flipping through all of the adorable photos of Shirley’s pets, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to talk about something we might not think about very often: the health benefits of having a pet.

Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, bird or another animal that you love, pets can have a surprisingly positive impact on our overall health.

Let’s start with the obvious one when it comes to dogs: they get us moving! Dogs need their walks, which means we have to get up and move too. Even a couple of short walks throughout the day add movement into your routine. Walking is great for your heart, muscles, joints and overall mobility. Plus, sometimes having a furry friend staring at you waiting for their walk is the motivation you need to get outside!

But the benefits go beyond physical activity. Spending time with a pet can also be great for our mental health. Petting, playing with or simply sitting next to an animal can help us feel calmer and provide companionship. There is something comforting about coming home after a long day and having someone VERY excited to see you, even if their excitement is mostly because they know you control the treat cabinet.

Pets can also help give our days a sense of routine. They need to be fed, walked, played with and cared for. Having those little responsibilities throughout the day can keep us moving and give us a reason to stick to a schedule.

And we can’t forget about the social benefits! How many conversations have started because someone stopped to ask, “What kind of dog is that?” Taking your dog for a walk or visiting a local park can create opportunities to meet neighbors and feel more connected to your community.

Of course, you don’t have to own a pet to experience some of these benefits. Spending time with a friend or family member’s pet, volunteering with animals or even offering to take someone’s dog for a walk can be a great way to get some animal time in.

So during these dog days of summer, give your furry, feathered or four legged friend a little extra love. They may be doing more for your health than you realize!

And to all of the Shirley pets featured in this week’s issue, thank you for keeping your humans happy, active and on a very strict feeding schedule!