Tales of bravery and kindness flood everyone’s timelines nowadays, including pets that have been the stars of social media because of their cuteness and silly antics. But more than the amusement they bring, pets have become a reliable companion for fur parents living alone or undergoing emotional stress.
As many of today’s individuals cope with the separation from their friends and family in this time of seclusion, now, more than ever, pets play a tremendous role in keeping people at ease with their unconditional loyalty and companionship.
Fitness Pals
With the new social distancing regulations, pets have become their owners’ partners in achieving an active and healthy lifestyle. With their furry friends around, pet owners come up with novel ideas for exercises to have their dogs or cats join in the fun. Some owners explore their homes by walking around the vicinity while others are even seen doing push-ups or sit-ups with their four-legged companions looking on.
To Chi, cats are her stress busters. "They give you a sense of joy and fulfillment even if your pocket is always empty," Chi says. Rescuing cats comes naturally to Chi because she wants to help alleviate their pain and suffering. She can not walk away from an injured cat or kittens discarded like trash. She wishes more humans will be kind to stray kittens, cats, pups, and dogs. She hopes more humans will feed strays and will adopt them too.
Exercising with one’s pet is known to have several health benefits. Research shows that owning and exercising with a pet can significantly lower one’s blood pressure and help one calm down during stressful situations. Working out with pets also helps owners maintain their weight and aids in the development of one’s bones and muscles. It is important to make sure a pet is able to exercise comfortably as well, does not overheat, and has plenty of water available.
Companionship When It’s Needed Most
Several health experts are now expressing their concern over peoples’ mental health condition after being confined within one’s home for several weeks and stressful world events. The drastic change in routine and sudden loss of physical contact with people from the outside world may cause loneliness and anxiety in many.
Having pets around had been proven to have health benefits such as a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, including the ability to alleviate loneliness and decrease anxiety. Pets can provide companionship and make people feel less lonely.
Stress Relievers
Even the act of simply petting a dog or cat can help ease feelings of stress. Physical contact such as hugging and petting one’s pet can not only improve the relationship between the two, but can help provide physical and psychological relief. Pet owners can still find peace in knowing they don’t have to stay six-feet away from their beloved furry pals to show affection.
Meanwhile, the pet community all over the world is coming together to upload and share photos of their pets for those who do not own any to uplift their spirits and help them cope with the quarantine. Social media platforms are flooded with photos of dogs, cats, and other pets enjoying more time with their owners.
In the coming weeks, pet owners can take this opportunity to strengthen the bond with their pets and show gratitude to the small unsung heroes of mental health during this pandemic. (Pet Food Institute)
Pet Food Institute (PFI) is committed to educating pet owners about proper pet nutrition to keep pets healthy and happy. Through its local initiative, Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), PFI seeks to advocate responsible pet ownership to the ever-growing Filipino pet community.