Feeling Fab? Thank Fido!
You’ve probably always known that your dog can make you happy, but did you know that an increasing body of research shows that your furry BFF can also make you healthy?
Clinic Sofia recently spoke with Ali Jarvis of Sidewalk Dog, a media and events company helping Minnesota dog lovers live life to the fullest with their dogs by their side. Jarvis spilled the kibble on some of the many ways that pet ownership can bring wag-worthy wellness into your life.
Walk the walk. You may be tempted to skip out on daily exercise, “but one look at that pair of expectant puppy-dog eyes can be convincing enough to lace up your sneakers and hit the walking path, leash in hand,” said Jarvis. The health benefits of walking are well established: it can improve heart health, blood pressure, stress level, sleeping habits, weight management and more. If you and your walking buddy are bored with your current route, she recommends exploring one of our many local dog parks or dog-friendly trails.
Social animals. A recent study found that dog ownership can lead to reduced social isolation in people, including seniors. Make a date with your pup – and a friend! – to do some shopping or chatting over refreshments. Jarvis noted that many of the stores in Excelsior and the North Loop are dog-friendly, as are tons of local restaurant patios and breweries. In fact, Sidewalk Dog is hosting at least 10 dog-friendly “yappy hours” at restaurants around the Twin Cities this summer. (And here’s a fact that will be good for your heart, too: all of these events will benefit local rescues.)
Immune tune-up. Love a dog who can’t hold their licker? Kissing your pup may actually improve your health by contributing “good” bacteria to your gut microflora. “If you aren’t grossed out by it, it’s a lot cheaper than those fancy probiotic yogurts,” Jarvis joked.
Feel the love. Spending time with your pet can provide an instant mood lift, and scientists also say that your dog can recognize human emotions and even help diffuse a tense conversation.
Head over to SidewalkDog.com for more furbulous ways to enjoy the good life with your pup, plus a directory of local rescues and shelters from which to adopt your next four-legged family member.
