You know the saying - "Dog is man's best friend"? Well it is true in more ways than one and it doesn't have to be a dog. Any pet can positively impact your health, both physically, emotionally and psychologically. So why is the dietitian writing about pets? Read on - it makes sense.
I've written several articles on making exercise and weight loss fun and how men and women lose weight differently. Now let's see how a pet can impact an individual's health and well-being. Whether married or single, we have all experienced loneliness at some time in our life. Think for a moment about those times you may have come home to an empty house. If you have a dog, the house is no longer empty and you have one of the hardiest welcomes a person could ever ask for. Doesn't it just make you feel happy to have your dog jumping up and down, tail wagging so hard that the whole rear end is wagging? Doggy "kisses" and some dogs have even been know to bare their teeth in a doggy smile! Can you "feel" the difference of this home coming compared to the empty, silent house?
A pet can positively impact an individual's likelihood of exercise. I know it's true for myself. I had the best Shih Tzu dog and I loved taking her for walks as much as she loved to go. It was difficult for me to NOT go, knowing how much she enjoyed the outdoor time after a long day alone while I worked. When she died of old age, it was easy to "not feel like" taking a walk and she wasn't around to nudge me. Two years later, I now have a new Shih Tzu puppy and I'm back to walking. He so looks forward to it and exercise is just as important to his health as to mine that an hour walk is now part of our daily routine. I've also walked my other pets, including a ferret, pot belly pig (they are more of an ambler than walker), llama, horse and cow - all of which will walk on a lease. Even our cat didn't want to be left out and followed behind. It's also a great way to meet people who stop to talk about your pet (especially the ferret and pot belly pig!!) Moral of the story - Eat to live and walk your pet for exercise
Pets can be very emotionally supportive - in their quiet way. Think of the times you just need a "friend" to talk to and maybe your human friends aren't available. Your pet friend is always available and willing to listen to you - and you don't have to worry about confidentiality! This can be helpful to women especially in re-directing a tendency to eat for emotional comfort. Take the dog for a walk - get some exercise while you get away from the food source.
Pets not only give us a reason to get out of bed every day, fending off anxiety and depression, but they can be a source of protection. News programs frequently have stories about a dog or cat who became a hero in saving their family from a house fire. And some think that even a small dog barking can deter a burglar.
Of course just because a pet can offer many benefits to physical and emotional health is not a good reason to get a pet. Pets, whether a dog, cat, ferret, bird or lizard, do require your committed in their good care. But if you are up to it, a pet can add many wonderful dimensions to your life.
Until we meet again,
Eat to Live, Live to Walk your Pet - Just Do It!
