Animal Magic: Benefits To Your Health Of Getting A Pet

Animal Magic: Benefits To Your Health Of Getting A Pet
by K9 Magazine

Getting out of a warm, cosy bed on dark, frosty mornings to take the dog out is probably the last thing you feel like doing. But take encouragement from the fact that it really is good for you.

Quite apart from a blast of fresh air to wake you up, going walkies gives you both the chance to get some exercise. Getting up and about is a great way to keep your dog happy and healthy, but vitally important for you, especially if you’re going to spend the rest of the day slumped at your desk.

Your daily dog walk may not feel as strenuous as sweating buckets at the gym, but rest assured it’s doing just as much good. According to pet health care experts Bob Martin, dog walkers actually get far more exercise than people who consider themselves regular gym goers – an average of five hours and 38 minutes per week, compared with just one hour and 20 minutes per week for the Lycra lovers.

Feeling smug? You should be, as even the fact that you’re getting out every day can have huge health benefits. Scientists believe that doing up to an hour of moderate activity most days combined with a healthy diet could cut mortality rates by 50 per cent.

The benefits of owning a dog go beyond a mere leg-stretch. Medical researchers have found that dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, for example, and are generally healthier than those without a canine companion.

There’s the social aspect of meeting other dog owners while out and about, and the structure of having a daily routine; both factors which could go a long way to raising mood and stirring you from inertia. In fact, researchers at the University of Portsmouth found that daily dog walking could even ward off depression. Are there any sights in life happier than a dog proudly carrying a stick? You can’t write a prescription for that.

Cat owners can take heart from the news that researchers have claimed all manner of health benefits from caring for a feline friend – in fact a study by the University of Minnesota found that cat owners have a much lower heart attack risk.

It doesn’t take a doctor to tell you that curling up with a cat on the couch at the end of a stressful day can have psychological benefits, either. According to a study carried out by the Mental Health Foundation in conjunction with Cat’s Protection, it’s all down to the relaxing vibrations in a cat’s purr.

Even having a tank of goldfish in the corner of a room is thought to be relaxing, and while lizards and snakes aren’t everyone’s choice of perfect pet, they’re an interesting addition to the household. Having a pet is good for kids, too – it can help them develop a sense of empathy and responsibility, as well as boosting their self-esteem, say psychologists. Owning a dog can also help children become more active, guarding against obesity.

Care for your pet, and it will care for you.

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Hot Dogs and Cool for Cats

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Well isn’t this lovely sunny weather a welcome surprise! Strange to think that a couple of weeks ago (in this very same month) I was watching golf ball size hale stones fall on the decking I am sunbathing on as I write!

Of course, we all know we must look after ourselves in the sunshine, but don’t forget to look after your dogs and cats too! They feel the heat like we do, even more so if you imagine going about your summer business in a fur coat! Remember that dogs cannot cool themselves by sweating like humans. They might sweat a small amount through their pads, but the main way a dog cools off is by panting. Unfortunately, panting is not enough when it is extremely hot and humid. So here are a few tips to keep your canines cool this season, followed by tips for kitties;

Fresh, Cool Water

It is essential that you keep fresh, cool water available to your dog at all times. In hot weather, this is even more crucial. Make sure you keep the water dish in a shady location and change the water frequently. To constantly keep fresh water available outdoors, consider installing a watering system that hooks up to an outdoor tap. These systems are designed to provide water as needed and are usually triggered by motion or a specific action.

Shelter from the Sun

Your dog might enjoy a little sunbathing, but she ultimately needs a cool, shady spot to relax. Prolonged sun exposure not only leads to heat exhaustion, it can also cause sunburn. Yes, dogs can get sunburned too. While sunscreen is available for dogs, it is not ideal. The best thing is to offer shelter. Shade from trees is nice, but not perfect. An actual structure is better. Consider getting an insulated dog house, but make sure it is large and well-ventilated. Alternatively, you might put up an open-air tent or canopy. The addition of a fan will help further cool things down. If possible, put the shelter in a shady area to keep it extra-cool. Of course, the most ideal shelter is in your home. If possible, install a doggie door to allow indoor access

Pools for Cooling

If your dog loves water, then a large tub or paddling pool (molded plastic, not inflatable) might be a great addition to your yard. Barkitty will bring out a dog pool in July. Many dogs enjoy playing and lounging in the cool water. Just make sure you supervise your dog at all times. Also, keep the pool in a shady spot and change the water frequently. Do not leave the pool full when not in use, as it may attract insects. Instead of a pool, you might also try running a sprinkler (when the hose pipe ban is eventually lifted) to see if your dog likes it. However, most dogs prefer a pool to a sprinkler.

A Barkitty Facebook ‘liker’ Helen Spellman suggested wetting bandanas and leaving them tied loosely around her dog’s necks, and she also gives them ice lollies J

Cooling for Cats

A cat that becomes overheated in summer can suffer from dehydration, shallow breathing, and can even get heatstroke. Keeping your cat cool is an important part of ensuring that he/she enjoys a safe and happy summer, especially if there's a heat wave.

Keep your cat calm
A cat that is running about too much during a really hot day or during a heat wave will soon become exhausted and dehydrated. Encourage it to calm down by providing a relaxed, indoor place that is both cool and darkened. Do not initiate play when it is in an agitated state; you may need to sit with it, for a bit, to help it self-calm.

Stick an ice pack inside a sock and place it into a snug retreat underneath the towel for added cooling effect.

Another good idea is to place towels or sheets over the spots the cat usually likes to sit, to create a cool barrier between their fur and the normally warmer surfaces.

A hot water bottle can be filled with very cold water and left out for it to lie on.

Cool your cat down with dampened towels.

Most cats do not like getting wet, but you can at least help cool their fur down, a little, with dampened towels. Simply dampen a cloth or paper towel and gently stroke your cat with the cloth or towel from the top of its head and down the back. Do this a couple of times a day if it is very hot.

The places where cats get the warmest are their bellies, the pads on their paws, their armpits, under their chins, and on the outside of their ears. Concentrate on keeping these spots cool.

Another way to use a small kitchen towel is to soak it with water and place it in the freezer. When the towel gets cold enough, lay it out on a smooth kitchen or bathroom floor for your cat to lie on; if it is too cold for your cat, leave it there as it will warm up enough over time. Do not force your cat onto it – simply introduce the cat to it, and if it likes it, it can make up its own mind.

No matter what you do to keep your pet cool, the best thing you can do is to keep a close eye on them. When in doubt, get them to a cooler area. Be sure to contact your vet immediately if you notice signs of heat stroke.

Oh but of course the ultimate thing you can do to keep your dog or cat cool is to buy them an outfit or accessories  from Barkitty!! Too much?? Sorry!! Haha! Enjoy the sunshine…

Lisa x