GET A PET-ICURE!
- Malvika Dixit
- Jan 11, 2024
- 3 min read
‘Chotu’ entered our lives just like he came into this world…. unplanned, unceremoniously, and unobtrusively.
One evening, a cat whom we often fed, plonked herself under a chair on our verandah and late at night when I when I went to shut the door, lo behold! She wasn’t alone. A little kitten was nuzzling in her warmth. We were, at once, astonished, overjoyed, and to be honest, a little perplexed.
Unlike me, my parents are not pet friendly. At best, they can be civil and kind but they are not welcoming of animals inside the home. Basic courtesy dictated that we keep mom and baby safe and comfortable. My mother thought it would be a matter of a few days. But cats, I tell you, are the masters of the “Foot in the door” sales strategy.
To cut a long tale short, it has been 6 months, momma cat has disappeared and “Chotu", the kitten, has dislodged me, as heir apparent.
We have heard of legendary tales of rescue dogs, service dogs, assistance dogs, and canine partners whose loyal service can be an inspiration for us all. Until recently, we had only stories of pet owners to rely on and most of us dismissed their tales of adoration as exaggerations of excessive love; however, now we have unequivocal research to back the rich dividends of the human-animal bond.
Based on some research (and personal experience!), here are some of the ways in which pets help improve physical and mental health.
Health Benefits
Pet owners are likely to be physically more active than non-pet owners. However, this may vary from pet to pet and of course, depends on the pet parent! It has been found though, that people with pets, on an average, have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels and that heart attack patients with pets, survive longer than those without pets. It has been seen that when people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined significantly within five months. Pet owners over the age of 65 reportedly make 30% fewer visits to their doctors. (The Power of Pets, 2022)
Pets can be Stress Busters
Most dog owners will tell you that no one welcomes them home like their dog does, with the lavish love and unbridled excitement that only dogs are capable of! However, all pets are stress busters. Research claims that even watching fish in an aquarium can reduce muscle tension and lower your pulse rate. Birds are reputed to encourage social interaction. Playing with your pet can elevate serotonin and dopamine levels. Dogs and cats can alleviate loneliness, reduce cortisol the stress- related hormone, anxiety, and depression. The sheer contact comfort, unconditional love, and playfulness can soothe the nerves. Studies have indicated that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. (The Power of Pets, 2022)
Valuable Life Lessons
Having pets around makes you more disciplined in your routine, responsible, and most definitely teaches you an invaluable lesson in developing empathy. The learning transcends to the children of the house and aids in increasing their Emotional Quotient. And to top it all off, the importance of pets has been recognized to the extent that they have now become part of the therapy setting, with the field of animal assisted therapy gaining traction in recent years! The therapy builds on the human-animal bond by having them be present in the therapy room. The presence of the animal makes the environment more comfortable for the client. (Johnson, 2020).
The rewards of having pets are endless. They are bound to usher in positivity, good health, vigor, and mental peace. In fact, they are certain to help you evolve into a better version of yourself. However, like with any other relationship, you need to be ready for them!
References
Johnson, J. (2020, July 10). What to know about animal therapy.
The power of pets. (2022, July 26). NIH News in Health.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is meant for awareness/entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice and one must refrain from self-diagnosing. It is in no way a substitute for therapy with a mental health professional and it is not meant to be clinical. To consult with a psychotherapist on our team, you can contact us on fettle.counselling@gmail.com.
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