Why Caregivers Should Have Pets

I can’t remember where I read this, but owning a dog, cat or another pet has the same benefits to our physical and emotional health as having a human companion. And, they don’t talk back and run up credit card debt! Actually, pets can be rather expensive these days, but it’s true for many people that they are simply happier and healthier due to their furry friends.

Caregivers, who give so much of themselves every day, might find exceptional benefits to having pets in their lives, so it may seem counterintuitive that a caregiver needs one more thing to care for, right? Wrong! Some caregivers have told me that they find great joy and relaxation when they are home with their pets.

Thank You Boris Levenson

The child psychologist, Boris Levenson, is known as the father of pet therapy. During the 1960’s, he would hold therapy sessions with children and discovered that his dog had a very positive influence on encouraging communication and expression. He believed that pets and pet therapy, in particular, promoted conversation, activity and emotional connection.

Health and Other Benefits of Pets

The benefits of pet therapy are unlimited. The ultimate goal of having a pet is to care for it and improve the quality of life for the owner of the pet. Pets can reduce anxiety, depression, frustration and anger. Pets can help with the management of pain and lift a person’s emotional state.

Making a Connection

Pets provide something very important – a connection to someone or something other than one’s self and other people. Some people talk to their pet and reduce emotional issues. Pets can bring about a sense of spiritual calm and happiness.

Natural Antidepressants

Some studies show that having a pet can increase serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin levels in the brain, almost like an antidepressant. Pets have a great influence on heart health for many people, by increasing relaxation, reducing blood pressure, and stabilizing heart rate.

Loneliness and Sadness

Some caregivers may be divorced, live alone, or live long distances from their adult children. Pets can reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, sadness and stress. Pets can also help caregivers with mourning and bereavement after the death of a loved one or a care-recipient.

Become a Child Again

Pets can also bring some people back to their childhood and connect them to their past. They can also help caregivers with range of motion if they are experiencing pain due to arthritis or injury. Pets are also known to reduce agitation and aggression.

Live Better

They can provide the caregiver a greater sense of control, increase their socialization, reduce boredom and create memorable play times. These little furry things can also create motivation for caregivers to rest, heal themselves, get better sleep, and lead more productive and purposeful lives.

Final Thoughts on Why Caregivers Should Have Pets

Who knew that pets had all of these wonderful physical and emotional health benefits? I’ve been a pet owner my entire life and always had cats and dogs around as a child. I have a profound love for our dogs Buddy and Kitty. No matter what life throws at me, when I walk through the door and those two dogs go crazy with excitement and give all of their love and attention, who can remain mad? Not me.

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