Benefits of Pet Ownership During COVID-19 Quarantine
“Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners.” About Pets & People, CDC.gov
PETS – The MIRACLE TREATMENT?
The CDC has reported a unique treatment that helps decrease blood pressure as well as lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This same treatment appears to help people deal with the impact on their health due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
According to the CDC, some of the health benefits of having a pet include:
• Decreased blood pressure
• Decreased cholesterol levels
• Decreased triglyceride levels
• Decreased feelings of loneliness
• Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
Prescription drugs like Remdesivir are primarily used with small test groups as possible prophylactics against the virus. But the ‘miracle’ treatment of pet ownership is available for everyone!
Millions of people in the U.S. are enjoying the benefits of pet ownership, including:
• Those who work with COVID-19 patients
• Those quarantined to avoid the virus
• Individuals recovering from the virus at home
Pets Bring Joy and Health Benefits to People Staying at Home
Looking for relief from anxiety, depression or stress? If you live in one of the 80 million U.S. households with a pet, you may be able to find help right at home in the form of a wet nose or a wagging tail. You can call it the pet effect.
The Pet Effect
The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) in a March 2020 national poll cited pet owners who said that “Pets positively, contribute to their health and well-being…. “.
• 79% reported reduced stress
• 73% reported a new sense of purpose
• 65% reported easier connections with others
• 64% reported they are more physically active.
Pets Positively Contribute to their Owners Health and Well-being
As millions of pet owners around the world are staying at home during the COVID-19 crisis, many are discovering the benefits of sharing more time with their pets.
Research into simple acts like walking a dog or petting a cat continues to demonstrate what many pet owners around the planet have long understood. Spending time with pets can provide a wide range of benefits to people, from improved mood and reduced stress, to decreased loneliness and even lower blood pressure.
Without knowing exactly how the quarantine will play out, these uncertain times can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for many people.
Fortunately, for all of us pet parents – having a feline or canine companion at our side can help combat these negative feelings. Studies have shown that pet parents experience lower levels of anxiety and depression after a traumatic event, compared to non-pet owners. Other research has shown that interacting with a dog can reduce anxiety, stress, negative mood, and increase positive mood.
The Power of Pets
Pet companionship may not be a cure for the Coronavirus – but it turns out to be one of the most effective coping treatments.
Interacting with animals has shown the power of pets to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.
Further proof is in the number of pet adoptions during the lockdown. Shelters and rescue groups are seeing a significant increase in pet adoptions and fostering across the nation.
Matt Bershadker, president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), said ‘the call has been answered.’ The ASPCA organization has seen a 70 percent increase in animals entering foster care in New York and Los Angeles compared to last year.
People have started wearing masks during the COVID shut down.
At Creature Concierge, we have started selling PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – so that pet parents can personalize their masks with their own pet’s image.
Pet Therapy: Animals as Healers
“Animal-assisted therapy can reduce pain and anxiety in people with a range of health problems.” Mayo Clinic, Pet Therapy
The Joy of Pets
My 94-year old mother and I fostered two rescue puppies during the pandemic. It lifted our hearts, brought incredible joy into our daily routine and kept us focused on something other than the pandemic. You can experience this kind of a lift every day through the companionship of a cat, dog, bird or an exotic pet.
Celebrate your beloved pet and their contributions to your happiness and well being with a personalized gift for them and for you.
Creature Concierge Pet Care, Pet Sitting and Pet Support Services
Creature Concierge boutique pet care service is designed to deliver one-on-one time with your pets so they feel safe and loved at home – even when you aren’t at home. We are Pet Care Specialists.
We are the ideal service for busy business professionals. And everyone loves the daily text, photo and video updates our team sends to parents!
Creature Concierge Pet Services
Creature Concierge services include:
Dog, Cat, Fish Rabbit, Reptile Home Care
Affordable Pet Dental Care and Cleaning
Pet Parent IQ – Education & Support
Vet Visit Scheduling and Transport
Creature Concierge Pet Care Specialists
Please let us know how we can be of service to you?
Questions? Please Contact Us!
References
Desai, Vidhi; Leung, Calvin; Lim, Ye Rin ; Fagan, Julie M. “Pets: Do They Enhance Our Immunity?”. Rutgers University.