PET PROJECT How owning pets can lead to a healthier lifestyle

Q:I have been working from home as a result of COVID-19. The adjustment has been difficult, and created a lot of stress and strain on my mental and physical health. A friend suggested I adopt a dog. Would I see any real benefits from this? Is there any connection between pets and our health?

A:Pets play a huge role in creating a healthy lifestyle. In fact, studies have shown that pet ownership can enhance fitness levels, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, relieve stress, improve mental and heart health, and boost overall happiness and well-being.

Evidence also suggests that connections to pets provide good social support — an important factor in helping you stick with new health habits.

One of the main benefits is that dogs force us to get up and move for routine and regular walks.

A research study found that dog owners more likely report regular physical activity patterns, a healthy diet and ideal blood sugar levels compared to those who do not own dogs. This is beneficial to your heart health because increased physical activity helps strengthen your heart muscles, making it more efficient in pumping blood throughout your body and improving overall heart health.

It’s no secret that pets contribute to overall happiness. Owning a dog has even been linked to better mental health and less perception of social isolation — both risk factors for heart attacks.

Dog owners have increased interaction with people and are less likely to experience depression.

Even just interacting with a dog has shown to increase levels of “feelgood” brain chemicals, such as oxytocin and dopamine. This creates positive, happy feelings and a great bonding experience for you and your pet.

Pets bring a significant benefit to working from home. Over 50% of people surveyed said they would prefer if they could bring their pet to work.

There are four major ways pets can help with your mental health while working from home:

Pets can reduce stress.

Two out of three employees say work stresses them out, and 40% say their job gets in the way of their health. Studies show that pets in the workplace reduce stress and improve employee satisfaction.

Pets help manage anxiety.

Up to 30% of the workforce could be working from home multiple days per week by the end of 2021, according to Global Workplace Analytics. So, now more than ever, people are struggling with mental health. Pets provide companionship and support.

Pets help you stay active.

Pets give us a reason to get outside, get some fresh air and get in some physical activity.

Pets combat loneliness.

The bond with pets helps people feel less alone. Owners can touch, see, hear or talk to their companion animals, which helps to bring joy and happiness.

Consider getting a pet to help you be more active and socially connected, while also improving heart health and promoting a healthy lifestyle.