Are Pets Really Good For Your Health?
Dogs Are Good For You!
If you are already a pet owner, I probably do not have to do much to convince you that pets are good for your health. If you are the type of dog walker who makes sure little Fluffy Puffy are all snug in their matching pink or blue dog snuggie, or even if your duty or sport requires you to walk an expertly trained dog while you carry weapons,, you know how valuable these animals are.
Even scientific studies are demonstrated that the presence of a pet can help improve your mood, and little Fluffy or Fido may even help improve your heart health! If you do not believe me, you can visit the WebMD slide show about 27 ways that pets are good for your health.
The right pet can keep us happy, and he or she can certainly encourage us to exercise more. The most sedentary pet owner probably has to get up and attend to the needs of their dog, cat, or parrot several times a day.
Which Pet Is Right For You?
If you are already a long time pet owner, you probably have some ideas about the type of pet you already love having around. We know dog people, cat people, and bird people. We even know rodent people (gerbils, etc.)!
If you are new to the wonderful world of animals, try to be realistic about how much time you have to devote to your new best friend, how much money you can spare, and what you hope to gain.
For example, a Labrador puppy will probably become part of the family. But that’s the thing. These wonderful dogs will be almost as much effort as having another child in the family. That fuzzy little gerbil in the pet shop window will not be as much trouble, but she is also unlikely to engage you as much either.
A pet like a Labrador Retriever requires a lot of commitment. In my opinion, that commitment gets returned a hundred times over. A gerbil – not so much either way – but a small, caged pet may be a good solution to teach a young child responsibility or engage a frail, elderly person.
Pets Are Good For Older People Too!
Note our previous article about good pets for older people. Beyond providing basic companionship for the elderly, many studies have demonstrated that pet owners tend to feel less anxiety, be more optimistic, and suffer lower rates of heart disease.
Some pets can even provide more security. Even the smallest dog will bark when a visitor comes to the door. Sometimes animals can alert others when the pet owner is in trouble because illness or a fall.
Which Dogs Are Good For Older People?
Some dog breeds are better for older people. If you know somebody who desires a pet dog, but has limited time or energy to deal with dog issues, you may want to keep a few things in mind.
- Consider a lower energy dog breed. While some dogs need hours of exercise every day, other breeds are kept content with much less. Pugs and some types of terriers may be good choices. You probably want a smaller dog, that does not require a lot of space, and a breed that will be happy to share the sofa with you during movie night.
- Consider shedding. Some wonderful breeds of dogs just shed a lot, all the time, and everywhere. If you want a dog for a person with limited mobility, a dog that does not shed, or only sheds a little, can be a good choice.
- Consider a cat instead of a dog. They can potty in their cat box, may require less attention, etc. I am a dog person, myself, but I understand that some people get along with cats very well.
Pets As Gifts
If you plan to give a dog to a gift, take this advice. Please make sure everybody is on board with the introduction of a new family member. This is particularly important if you plan to give a pet to somebody who is not even in your household.
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I agree. I see a lot of elderly people with pets these days. They can provide companionship to kids, younger adults, and older people.
p.s. I’m a dog person myself.
Pets are good companions – for pet lovers. I do like your point about NOT buying pets for anybody that they will not welcome. i.e. don’t surprise grandma with a Great Dane Please!