We here at DocuPet have been diagnosed with a serious case of Zooeyia, and the only remedy is to spend more time with our pets. The doctor’s orders are pretty demanding, requiring us to cuddle with our pets a minimum of 27 times a day and engage in several strict playtime sessions. It’s a tough prescription, but hey, doctor’s orders and whatnot.
In case you haven’t already looked up “what the heck is Zooeyia,” we’ll save you the trouble: Zooeyia refers to the positive effects interacting with animals has on a human’s health and well-being. This concept encompasses the physical, mental and emotional benefits of pet ownership, animal-assisted therapy, and simply being in the presence of animals.
We all feel that warm and fuzzy serotonin boost when we see our pets’ sweet little faces, but who would’ve thought that having a furry friend is like popping one of those tasty gummy vitamins? (Disclaimer: We’re not doctors, and this blog definitely isn’t medical advice!) Having a pet is like a daily dose of love (duh), joy (double duh), and health perks (oh?), all bundled up in one furry and adorable package. We’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more time with our pets 🔔🌡️
The Physical Benefits
Regular physical activity promotes overall well-being, enhancing muscle and joint strength and giving us better quality of sleep. Thankfully, our pets are the perfect motivators for a fit lifestyle. Whether you’re doing your best to keep up with your cat’s zoomies or are trying to keep pace with your dog on walks, our pets have a paw in helping increase our physical activity levels.
Walking your pet is a great way to get physical exercise. Not only does walking your pet keep you moving and provide a boost of energy, but it also helps strengthen the bond between pet and owner. If you want to revitalize your workout regimen with Fido, look into activities that will get you both moving, such as venturing onto local hiking trails, experimenting with agility training, or diving into some swimming sessions!
While dogs often have more chances for physical activity with their owners, it’s important not to overlook the need for one-on-one exercise time with your cat! Engage your cat in interactive play time by using toys that encourage running, pouncing, and jumping. This can help keep your cat physically active and also allows you to stay active while playing with them. Taking your cat for a walk using a secure harness can be a great way to get your steps in, too (provided that your feline companion is willing to participate, of course!)
On top of all of this, research from the American Heart Association suggests that having a pet, particularly a dog, could be linked to a reduced likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. Not only that, but the companionship and reduced stress associated with pet ownership can even contribute to lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart-related issues.
The Mental Benefits
Pets are great listeners, and we don’t mean the fact they can hear a squirrel five houses down. They offer a non-judgemental ear, will never give you bad advice, and have a special way of providing comfort and companionship –all without saying a single word– which can be incredibly comforting and beneficial for mental health.
Studies have shown that nearly all pet owners rely on their pets for stress relief. Simply interacting with pets, such as petting a cat or dog, has been found to reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and ease feelings of anxiety and depression.
So, petting our furry friends helps keep stress levels down, but what about pet ownership as a whole? Caring for a pet can provide a comforting sense of routine and structure, which can help promote positive mental well-being. Pets also offer security, companionship, and a sense of being wanted and needed, making these four-legged friends especially beneficial for older individuals or those living alone.
The Emotional Benefits
If you’re taking the time to read this blog post, chances are you’re a pet owner yourself (or have owned a pet in the past) and are likely familiar with the myriad emotional and social benefits of having a furry friend in your life.
The unconditional love a pet provides can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Pets offer constant companionship, providing comfort and a sense of purpose during the good and the challenging times. Surveys have shown that most pet owners believe that engaging with pets can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and that pets help improve feelings of social isolation.
Having a pet, whether it’s a friendly dog or a social cat, is a great way to connect with other pet owners and boost your social life. These connections can lead to fun activities like visiting dog parks or pet-friendly spots, which can help you feel more connected to your community.
Pets are more than just companions – they also help us fight loneliness, form social bonds, and enhance our overall quality of life. Spending time with our furry pals offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making pet ownership a truly rewarding experience. So, if you’ve caught the Zooeyia bug like us, you now have the remedy!
(Disclaimer: this blog is not medical advice. Please consult a medical professional if you have health concerns.)
