It’s amazing how mental health has taken centre stage in our society since the global pandemic hit. These days, finding effective ways to treat and manage it has become super important. And you know what? Mental health doesn’t discriminate – it affects people of all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life.
Now, here’s something interesting: the idea that having furry companions can boost our mental well-being is gaining traction. While research on this is still in its early phases, there’s already a bunch of evidence suggesting that having pets can really help folks who are struggling with their mental health.
We’ve all heard the saying “dogs are man’s best friend,” and it’s been around since way back in 1789 when King Frederick of Prussia supposedly coined it. These days, it’s rare to find someone who hasn’t shared some wonderful moments with a dog, cat, or some other critter. But what’s even cooler is how this natural connection between humans and animals can literally lead to healthier lives.
Animal therapy is becoming quite the thing in the world of mental health. It’s starting to get a nod of approval from mental health pros because it has a positive impact on how we feel and function mentally. So, whether you’re having a blast playing with a pup or enjoying some quality time petting a content kitty, pets can bring heaps of joy to people of all ages.
But the benefits of having a pet go beyond just the warm fuzzies. If you’ve ever wondered about the right time to bring a furry, feathered, or finned friend into your life, here’s some good stuff for you to consider. Trust me, it’s worth a read while you cuddle up with your animal companion.
- Boosted self-esteem: Having a pet can also boost your confidence by helping you feel less isolated. When a wagging tail greets you, it’s hard not to feel good about yourself.
- Stronger immune system: Believe it or not, even a simple act like petting a dog might keep those pesky colds at bay. It seems that overall health, including the immune system, gets a nice boost for those who spend time petting dogs.
- Lowered anxiety and blues: There’s something magical about pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy (AAT), that has been linked to reducing anxiety, pain, and depression in folks dealing with various health challenges. People undergoing chemotherapy, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, and even those working on their fine motor skills during physical therapy can benefit from pet therapy.
- Stress reduction: We all know our pets make us happy, but did you know hanging out with dogs can help lower stress? Just a game of fetch or a simple petting session can decrease cortisol, the stress hormone, and amp up oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, in your brain.
- Social connections: Pets can totally boost your social life! Especially if you’re a dog parent. Taking your pup for walks and hitting the park makes for great opportunities to strike up conversations. People tend to be chattier when there’s a cute dog around, and let’s face it, dogs are fantastic icebreakers.
Now, remember that having a pet also means taking on new responsibilities. Learning how to care for and feed your furry friend is all part of the package. So, if you’ve been thinking about bringing a four-legged (or two-winged or multi-finned) companion into your life, these health and well-being benefits might just be the nudge you needed.
We’ve even got a product that’s perfect for your beloved companion – Colla-Joint Plus. It’s specifically formulated to strengthen and protect the joints of dogs and cats. Colla-Joint Plus is a gelatine based supplement, developed to alleviate joint pain and inflammation, improve bone mineral density all while promoting healthy skin, coat and nails. The addition of a 4-strain probiotic means that it also supports your doggo or kitty’s digestion through promoting their overall gut health. Simply sprinkle it over your pet’s food, or dissolve it in a little warm water before adding it to their meal, and let your fur child reap these wonderful benefits and more!
- It assists in general bone and joint support
- Shown to support healthy skin, nails and coat
- Supports digestive health
- Has the addition of probiotics for improved overall gut health
It’s available from our online store, or you can pop into our little shop in Westlake.
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