Canine Culture: FUR to your Health!

Good news for the animal lovers among us! Evidence continues to mount that our furry family members really ARE good medicine. Did you know …

Allergy Resistance: A number of studies suggest that kids growing up in a home with "furred animals" are more resistant to allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. The BARK magazine cited a recent study in Finland that documented kids living with a dog in the house during their first year of life and found they were healthier overall, had fewer respiratory tract infections, fewer ear infections, and needed fewer antibiotics than kids from non dog-owning homes. Another study found that if a dog lived in the home, infants were less likely to show evidence of pet allergies, were less likely to have eczema (a skin allergy causing red patches and itching), plus showed signs of stronger immune system activation.

Heart Health: For hypertension sufferers, having a pet can help lower blood pressure and stress. Several studies show that heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without, and male pet owners have less signs of heart disease than non-owners.

Physical Fitness: Need an exercise buddy? Look no further than your 4-legged friend. Your local gym just may offer a yoga class you can take with your dog – yes, doga! And regular 30-minute walks benefit both. In general, people with dogs tend to be more physically active and less obese than those who without. Walking not only boosts metabolism, but also helps strengthen muscles and bones, and walking outdoors helps boost Vitamin D levels. And according to another study, kids growing up with dogs averaged 10 more minutes of physical activity per day.

Aging/Alzheimer’s/Arthritis: Caring for pets provides companionship, promotes exercise and enhances our overall quality of life as we age. Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in their nursing home. Those with rheumatoid arthritis benefit from walking, playing Frisbee and other physical activities.

Social & Emotional Health: Looking for a date? Dogs tend to draw people together, and there’s no better ice-breaker than canine conversation. Even shy, quiet types open up and gush about their dogs! Engaging with our critters elevates mood enhancing serotonin and dopamine levels, which helps explain why pet people seem to be so darn happy!

Service/Therapy: Then there’s the whole world of service and therapy dogs. Not only to they provide life-sustaining support for those with mental, physical or emotional impairments, but some dogs are trained to detect the onset of diabetic or epileptic seizures and can help protect their handler from injury. Therapy dogs can help: hospital patients feel better and less anxious; stroke victims regain strength in recovery; autistic and ADHD children become more responsive and responsible, and so much more!

Healing Powers: For more on the healing powers of pets, Dr. Becker shares insights from Rachel McPherson, author of Every Dog Has a Gift: True Stories of Dogs Who Bring Hope and Healing into Our Lives. 

So if you want to improve your health, wellness or overall quality of life, try spending more time with your favorite canine!

Ask the Trainer:  Renee Jetter, ABCTC, CPCT

• Professional dog trainer; co-owner of Canine Craze Performance Center in Urbandale – an 18,000 sq-ft. dog training, daycare, boarding and events facility. Animal Behavior College, 2006 graduate.
• Expertise: puppy development; positive reinforcement training; obedience; competition; agility; tricks; freestyle; scent detection; canine good citizen/therapy dog testing; Paws & Effect volunteer service dog trainer