Pets & People: Who’s Helping Who?
Veterans report that service dogs help break their isolation. People will often avert their eyes when they see a wounded veteran. But when the veteran has a dog, the same people will come up and say, 'Hi' to pet the dog and then strike up a conversation. (Al Franken)
Who really benefits from owning a pet?
A 2016 study by the Human and Animal Bond Research Institute reported that pets contribute to creating a stronger sense of identity of who we are, reducing negative perceptions about ourselves even in the presence of mental illness. Pets provide a sense of security and routine in our relationships with them. This leads us to more stable thinking and the ability to concentrate. Pets also provide a distraction and the disruption of attention to negative thoughts about ourselves.
Because we must care for and exercise pets, such as a dog, we may need to physically exercise and walk the dog, which is a strong motivator to get outside ourselves. Some pets will wake us up in the morning, as does a baby or young child, and tending to their needs may even help set a routine for our day.
Pets can be a buffer against loneliness as they help reduce stress and lower symptoms of anxiety and depression.
We’ve always heard that “A dog is man’s best friend” (first recorded as being said in 1789 by King Frederick of Prussia because he felt a dog was the only person or thing that wouldn’t betray him for his crown or personal gain). Well, Frederick was way off base, and we may need to revise our thinking on that a bit as research actually shows that it’s women who may benefit most from the “relaxing influences of dogs more than men do.”
Animals can help alleviate pain related to arthritis in the elderly, and trained animals (also often owned by someone who has trained their pet under AKC Therapy Dog guidelines) are often taken into assisted living and elder living care facilities where residents can interact with these mild-mannered animals. A person who may find exercises difficult to do may be more willing to engage in the same motions, such as petting, grooming, or walking a dog, which helps them exercise without feeling the pain or as much pain. Pet care also helps in blood circulation, mobility, social interaction, and engagement with others.
A pet often causes moments of comic relief as we watch and laugh at their antics. The more we laugh, the more likely our pets will try to entertain us, as pets can ‘read’ our moods. Laughter reduces stress and anxiety, and heals our bodies and minds.
About 60% of people who walk their dogs meet the criteria for regular moderate exercise which has powerful benefits for mental and physical health.
Owners of dogs and cats have lower blood pressure than non-pet owners and have a significantly lower risk of death due to stroke and heart attack as they age.
Service dogs are highly effective in the treatment of ADHD, autism, dementia, and Alzheimer's. Pets can be very “present.” These specially trained dogs will sit with people who are suffering and can be very loving and attentive. The pet you choose must have the temperament you need to be effective.
We all know there are guard dogs and there are service dogs and they play very different roles in people’s lives. A guard dog provides a sense of security or protection, while a trained service animal provides a sense of support. Some are even trained to alert their owners if a seizure is about to occur.
An NIH study reported that “Scientists found an oxytocin positive feedback loop between dogs and humans [18], a hormone that plays an important role in the development of human bonds, leading to the belief that the bond between dog and human can also act as social support for humans. Further, studies show that dogs offer a certain kind of social support for owners and that the animal relationship diminishes negative emotions resulting from rejection experiences [19]. Participants in the cited study report less depression, less loneliness, and a greater subjective happiness. In addition, dogs make a unique contribution to the well-being of their owners beyond simply substituting for peer social support [19].”
It’s important to choose the right pet. Since a pet is a long-term commitment, do your research before impulsively adding a pet to your family. Adopting that cute little puppy may not be the best choice if that little puppy is going to become a large, 150-pound dog that will need a lot of exercise, and you live in a tiny apartment!
Owning a pet requires responsibility, as pets are dependent upon their human owners and must be cared for appropriately. Studies tell us diabetic teens are more likely to keep their weekly test logs when caring for a fish that must be fed a measured amount of fish flakes daily and have their water changed each week. Even a small pet, like a fish, can bring order and routine to our lives.
Pets need us and reward us by being present and responding to our attention and our needs. The mental and physical benefits of owning pets are well documented and can be a very positive addition to our lives. Owning a pet can force us to exercise, force us into a routine, and help us become more responsible human beings. You have to get back home to take care of the pets. They need you, and you may need them.
There are some other important factors to consider before owning a pet:
Do you have allergies? Select pets that do not activate those allergies.
Is your child begging for a pet, but you know you will be the one caring for the pet and are already juggling many responsibilities? Let your child walk the neighbor’s dog and ‘puppy sit’ for friends for an extended period of time, which will help your child recognize the reality of caring for a pet. Set goals with your child so they can work to earn the money they will need to care for a pet and recognize pets include a financial investment to care for them.
Are you financially able to care for a pet? Costs may include food, veterinarian bills, vaccinations, toys, bedding, leashes, added expenses if traveling, cost of lodging, etc.
Do you have the physical stamina to personally care for a pet? Are you able to exercise and daily care for your pet?
Do you live in an apartment or housing that does not allow pets or does not have enough space to care for a pet effectively?
Do you travel a lot? Who will care for your pet while you travel if you are unable to take your pet with you?
Pets are a long-term commitment, as some live for decades. Understand your own physical health, lifestyle, and financial abilities as you consider owning a pet long-term.
If you care about pets but are unable to care for them… consider volunteering at local animal care facilities or working part-time at a pet store to be able to enjoy pets but so you will not take them home with you in the evening or have the responsibility of caring for them 24/7.
More Info:
How to select a pet for an aging person (AgingCare.com):
Animal Health Foundation: Eight Health Benefits of having a pet
NIH.Gov: Pets in the Workplace
Human and Animal Bond (2016 Research)
PetMD.com: Ten Things to Consider Before Bringing a Pet Home
Difference between a Service Dog and a Guard Dog
“Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.” (James Cromwell)
“Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.” (Ann Landers)
“One of the most obvious ways dogs can improve our physical and mental health is via daily walks.” (Andrew Weil)
“As a counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, my licenses allow me to help Texas residents with issues interfering in life and relationships. My clients experience changes over time in therapy, not just in addressing life changes and decisions but in understanding that they can be confident in who they are, what they can do, and how to make a plan for success.
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As a certified Life Coach, I also work with clients (worldwide) to attain personal or work-related goals and live more peaceful and satisfying lives. Please contact my offices at 210-970-1511 for information about scheduling Life Coaching appointments.” - Clifton Fuller.
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Note: Clifton is the author of “The Marriage Vampire” (dealing with narcissistic personalities), now available on Amazon.
Clifton Fuller
LCSW, LPC, LMFT
