Paw on heart, spending time with animals is good for you

Anyone who has had a pet before knows about the joy of spending time with companion animals and creating that special bond. Interestingly, not many of us know about the physical and emotional health benefits that come alongside that bond. We’ve created a list of the four major benefits that you should consider if you’re thinking about adopting an animal or joining one of our programs.

Increased Physical Activity

We found out that active animals, predominantly dogs, can help increase cardiovascular health. Walking with and playing with dogs lowers your blood pressure, lowers triglycerides and in men, can lower cholesterol! Dogs especially help us enjoy the fresh air while consistently encouraging us to exercise no matter the weather. 

Did someone say walkies?

Resilient Immune System

Recent research demonstrates that growing up with pets during infancy may help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies. The presence of dogs and cats in the home from an early age may actually ‘acclimatise’ the developing immune system. Later on down the line however, people can overcome many of the physical challenges associated with aging by having pets part of their lives. Dogs, cats and other pets encourage playfulness, laughter and exercise which in turn boosts your immune system and helps increase energy. 

 This area of social research is continuously developing and promises to yield some fascinating findings on the role of pets in our lives.

Paw-fect Company

Pets naturally enhance our social connectedness and social skills and are great conversation starters. They help us build social bridges with our neighbours and establish friendships in our communities, facilitating exchanges of greetings and interactions between people who may not otherwise connect. They’re also great motivators for getting outdoors and regularly exercising. 

Research shows that people who are emotionally attached to their pets are better able to build relationships with others which can be particularly beneficial after isolated periods. Additionally, Pet owners of all ages appear to cope with stress, depression, isolation, grief and loss better than non pet owners.

Happy Paws Happy Hearts brings rescue animals in need of regular interactions together with people feeling isolated so they can help heal each other. It’s a rewarding experience which has helped many people overcome their social isolation and complex personal issues.

Training Development Manager Louise Metcalfe-Taylor says this is a unique program with a twist on animal therapy.  

“Instead of taking the animals to people, we actually bring the people to the animals.”

“The biggest change we see in all our participants are becoming more confident and comfortable in a group setting.”

Sense of Security 

From guide dogs to medical alert dogs, from autism dogs to hearing dogs, assistance dogs play a critical role in the lives of their owners and their families. 

You may have heard of dogs who have been specifically trained to assist their owners with Hypoglycemia, whereby the animal monitors smells in the air for a specific scent from their human partner that is related to rapidly dropping or low blood sugar levels. 

These types of dogs need to be specially trained for a medical purpose, but even without that, pets keep us company when we’re sick or feeling down. They can make us feel safe while we’re home alone and they keep an eye on the house while we’re out.

On top of that, we know petting animals can lower blood pressure and help people with learning disabilities feel calmer and regulate stress by providing sensory stress relief.

There are thousands of rescue animals at RSPCA who are looking for a companion to nurture and care for them while they prepare for adoption. Enquire now to chat with one of our friendly team members and get more information about which animal is right for you.