I recently was doing a new patient consultation and i realized that as i got closer to questioning the patient about her history of the illness she was coming for me to help her for , she became more same more anxious. She mentioned her pet and i switched the conversation a bit towards that bet and we shared photos of each of our dogs.
Suddenly the patient relaxed and she was able to continue to convey her medical history to me calmly. Pets give us our CALM and a sense of unspoken security. Are they the true physicians ? Hey why not ?
Dogs and cats can significantly boost our sense of wellbeing and contribute to natural healing processes in several ways:
1. **Companionship:** Pets provide constant companionship, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression. This emotional support can be particularly beneficial for those who live alone or are isolated.
2. **Stress Reduction:** Interacting with dogs and cats has been shown to lower stress levels. Petting or playing with an animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol.
3. **Encouraging Exercise:** Dogs especially help encourage more physical activity, as they require regular walks. This can improve cardiovascular health and lead to a more active lifestyle.
4. **Routine and Structure:** Taking care of a pet requires a routine and regular attention, which can provide structure and purpose to a person’s day. This is especially helpful for mental health, bringing a sense of responsibility and achievement.
5. **Social Interaction:** Pets can act as social catalysts, helping their owners meet people and create social networks, which can be crucial for mental health.
6. **Sense of Security:** Pets can provide a sense of security and alert their owners to potential dangers, which can help people feel safer in their homes.
Overall, the presence of a pet can lead to improved mental and physical health, making them a valuable part of many people’s healing processes.
