The Healthy Benefits of Pet Adoption

Valentine’s Day is on the way, and everyone’s focused on doing kind things for their loved ones. But don’t just focus on the humans you love most—consider sending some love to a furry companion as well. If you don’t already have a pet, there are so many great reasons to adopt one. Whether you’re a dog lover or a cat lover, read on to learn why adopting animals from shelters is a loving, helpful gesture—and how having a pet can actually benefit your health!

Why should I adopt a pet from a shelter?

According to the Humane Society of the United States, the top reasons to adopt a pet are:

·         You’ll save an animal’s life. The number of euthanized animals can be drastically reduced by more people adopting pets.  

·         You’ll get a healthy pet. Most shelters vaccinate pets and give them a physical examination when they arrive; some shelters even spay or neuter the animals.

·         You’ll save money. Adopting an animal from a shelter is often more cost-effective than buying a pet at a pet store. Plus. If the shelter has already paid to have the animal spayed or neutered, that’s one less thing you’ll have to pay for out-of-pocket.

·         You won’t be supporting “puppy mills.” Puppy mills are dog-breeding facilities that operate “factory-style,” often prioritizing profit over the dog’s health and welfare. If you adopt a pet from a shelter, you will be getting a pet from a place that puts the animals’ welfare first. 

How can having a pet help me be healthier?

When you adopt a pet, in addition to doing something kind for your new pet, you’re also doing something beneficial for yourself and your health. Here’s how having a pet can help you be healthier:

·         Better immunity.Studies have shown that if you have a child, and that child grows up in a home with furry animals, they’ll have a lower risk of allergies, eczema and asthma.

·         Lower levels.The CDC reportsthat pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.

·         Decreased stress.Recent research indicates that when people are trying to do stressful tasks, they experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when loved ones (even their spouses) were present. This may be due to pets’ unconditional love and that they are non-judgmental.

·         More frequent exercise.Pets increase your opportunities for exercise…and better yet, since walking the dog or playing with the cat is fun, this type of exercise doesn’t feel like a chore. And, of course, more exercise can lead to fewer extra pounds and better overall health.

·         More brain exercise, too.Having a pet increases your mental acuity. You have to remember to walk the dog or change out the cat’s litter box and give the pet fresh food and water every day, as well as remember to take your pet to the vet for checkups and any necessary shots.

·         Social support.If you’re out walking your dog, not only do you get the health benefits of walking, but you’re also more likely to be approached to stop and chat. This gives you the opportunity to increase your social network by making new friends and, therefore, also increase your happiness.

·         Mood booster.If you’re an animal lover, how can you stay in a bad mood when you have a purring kitty in your lap, or a happy dog who wants to play fetch? Plus, caring for your pet can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Would a new pet be a good Valentine’s Day gift for a loved one?

Thinking of getting a pet for someone as a Valentine’s Day gift? Don’t do it! It’s never a good idea to surprise anyone with a pet adoption. Having a pet is a big responsibility, and the animal can suffer if its new owner doesn’t have time to properly take care of it. If you think a pet would benefit a loved one, talk to them about it. If they do want a pet, offer to accompany them to the shelter—and then let them choose their own pet that fits their needs and lifestyle.

For more healthy tips, visit the Health Advocate blog. If you’re a Health Advocate member, call us today for more healthy tips and advice, or to find an in-network doctor near you, get help with a medical claim, obtain a second opinion, and more.

Keep your pets safe this holiday season

Decorating your house is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but many people don’t know that some common holiday plants and decorations contain toxins. Plants like mistletoe and holly berries, and decorations like tinsel and wire, can have harmful effects if ingested by pets (and children, too). Read on to learn more about which plants and decorations are potentially dangerous, and how to keep your pets out of the veterinary hospital this holiday season.

Harmful Plants

In general, you should keep all plants out of your pets’ reach. But if you do have these plants in your home, heed these safety tips:

Poinsettias: The thick sap inside the stem is toxic, and if ingested by your dog or cat, your pet may show symptoms like vomiting, lack of appetite, and depression. If your pet ingests part of a poinsettia, consider restricting their food and water for a few hours, as symptoms should only last an hour or two. If symptoms persist, consult your veterinarian.

Mistletoe: Mistletoe berries are the most toxic part of the plant, but its effects are fairly mild. If ingested, your pet may show similar symptoms as eating poinsettia, but the real risk is dehydration, so encourage your pet to drink water. If your pet won’t drink up, or if it is very young or very old, call your vet, as it may require medical treatment.

Holly: The spines on holly leaves are sharp and can cause injury to an animal’s mouth, tongue, and lips. Holly also has some chemical content that is toxic, and ingesting holly leaves can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Call your vet if your pet has eaten holly. 

Lilies: Lily plants can be toxic to cats, causing kidney injury with potentially devastating, even fatal, effects. Pet owners should seek veterinary attention immediately if their cat has ingested a lily plant.

Harmful Decorations

Tinsel can damage the intestines and cause severe injuries when ingested.

Pets often chew electric wires, like the ones used for holiday lights. They can look especially appetizing to younger animals. When chewed, electric wires can potentially shock, burn, or electrocute, causing harm to your pet. Unplug cords when they’re not in use, place them in cord protectors, or coat them with a non-toxic spray to deter chewing, which you can find at your local pet supply store.

Glass ornaments and ornament hooks are hazardous, too. Pets can ingest glass splinters or hooks, causing internal damage. Hang sharp and/or breakable ornaments higher on the tree, so they are out of reach of your pets. If you notice an ornament has fallen off the tree and broken, clean it up as soon as possible.

Make sure your Christmas tree is secure. Ensure that your pet can’t bump it and send it toppling over. Get a strong and unwavering base to hold the tree, and anchor the tree to the wall or ceiling. Also, choose a smart location for the tree—don’t place it near things that a pet can jump onto and use as a launch pad to then jump onto the tree.

Ensure holiday treats are out of reach of pets. If you are hosting friends and family, keep food platters on counters and tables that are difficult for pets to access. Remind your guests to please not feed “people food” to your pets—some foods can harm pets (for example, dogs can get sick from eating chocolate).

Also make sure that Christmas stockings are hung out of reach of curious pets, especially if your stockings contain treats or toiletries (like candy or toothpaste) that are attractive to pets, but that can harm them if ingested.

Safety Tips

Monitor your plants. Place plants out of reach, and check for any signs of chewed or missing leaves. If unsure about whether a plant could be harmful or not, look it up to check its toxicity (the ASPCA’s website provides helpful information on understanding what plants may be harmful to your pet). In many cases, the safest course of action for pet owners is to just not keep plants in your home.

Monitor your decorations. Decorations like bubble lights, tinsel, and ornaments can be very inviting to your pets. Make sure you place them out of reach, and consider avoiding tinsel altogether. 

Have the phone number of your veterinarian and the emergency vet number posted. Keep the poison center number handy, too. If you suspect a pet poisoning, do not wait to call. Prompt attention may make a crucial difference in your pet's health.

Be sure to let other fellow pet owners aware of potentially harmful holiday plants and décor to ensure a safe and happy holiday.

[Source: petpoisonhelpline.com, Dr. Lisa Murphy and Dr. Kenneth Drobatz of Penn Vet]

The health benefits of pet ownership

Everyone knows that pet ownership is generally pretty fun (notable exceptions being when you have to walk the dog in the pouring rain or when the cat brings you a “gift” of a backyard rodent). But in addition to being fun, pets can also help you improve your health, and maybe the health of your loved ones, too. In some cases, pets can even save your life, but in most cases, pets tend to help you improve your overall health in many ways:

• Better immunity. Studies have shown that if you have a child, and that child grows up in a home with furry animals, they’ll have a lower risk of allergies, eczema and asthma.

• Lower levels. The CDC reports that pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.

• Decreased stress. Recent research indicates that when people are trying to do stressful tasks, they experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when loved ones (even their spouses) were present. This may be due to pets’ unconditional love and that they are non-judgmental.

• More frequent exercise. Walking the dog? Exercise. Chasing the cat when it unexpectedly sprints out the front door? Also exercise. Playing with your pet? Yep, you guessed it—that’s exercise, too. Pets increase your opportunities for exercise…and better yet, since spending time with your pet is fun, this type of exercise doesn’t feel like a chore. And, of course, more exercise can lead to fewer extra pounds and better overall health.

• More brain exercise, too. Having a pet increases your mental acuity. You have to remember to walk the dog or change out the cat’s litter box and give the pet fresh food and water every day, as well as remember to take your pet to the vet for checkups and any necessary shots.

• Social support. If you’re out walking your dog, not only do you get the health benefits of walking, but you’re also more likely to be approached to stop and chat. This gives you the opportunity to increase your social network by making new friends and, therefore, also increase your happiness.

• Greater comfort. Many people—from autistic children to the elderly to soldiers suffering from PTSD—have relied on pet therapy for comfort, reduction of anxiety, and even reduction of symptoms relating to trauma. Some healthcare and assisted living facilities bring therapy animals on-site to help patients, and sometimes, patients go to the animals (for instance, visiting a farm or stable with therapy animals). Dogs aren’t the only types of animals used in pet therapy—cats, horses, and even dolphins are among the creatures that have helped people feel better, physically and/or emotionally.

• Help and service. Often, dogs can be a great asset to people who are blind or visually disabled and who need help getting around. As long as the person knows how to get to where they need to go, a guide dog can help get them there safely. Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds are popular choices for guide dogs. Dogs can also help disabled people in their homes—dogs can help turn off lights, bring things to people, and more.

• Coping with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s patients tend to have fewer emotional outbursts if they have an animal living in their home. It helps caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, too—studies show that caregivers tend to feel less burdened when a pet is present in the patient’s home (particularly a cat, since cats are usually low-maintenance).

• Boosting your mood. If you’re an animal lover, how can you stay in a bad mood when you have a purring kitty in your lap, or a happy dog who wants to play fetch? Plus, caring for your pet can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Although pet ownership is not for everyone—due to allergies, time constraints, or other such issues—those who are able to have a pet may be able to reap more benefits than just having a cute critter to cuddle with or dress up in silly costumes during the holidays. Pets have the potential to make you and your household happier and healthier.

For more healthy tips, visit the Health Advocate blog. If you’re a Health Advocate member, call us today for more healthy tips and advice, or to find an in-network doctor near you, get help with a medical claim, obtain a second opinion, and more.