Can adopting a pet help with depression?

Can adopting a pet help with depression?  Yes, adopting a pet can help with symptoms of mild depression.  Pets provide us with many health benefits linked to our mental and physical well-being.  Having a pet changes our lifestyle by increasing our physical activity. Pets teach us to spend more time outdoors and help create natural moments to socialize with others.  These lifestyle changes can help decrease symptoms of mild depression in those who suffer.  While a pet can never replace a professional physician’s guidance, they do have the ability to make us smile more often and bring joy to our life.

Depression can be a temporary or life-long chronic medical illness that affects every area of our life.   Characterized as a mood disorder, it creates varying depths of sadness and lack of interest in life.  Symptoms can vary from one person to another and make it hard for the individual to live a healthy, happy life.  Having a dog or cat to care for and love naturally fights symptoms of this condition.

Those who may believe they are suffering from depression should seek medical evaluation and can also discover internet resources for help. Proper diagnosis is essential since these symptoms can also be signs of other health conditions.

Those who suffer from depression will find happiness in having a furry companion because the dog or cat will require that they engage in life. Activities like feeding a beloved pet, and taking them for a run at the dog park can help naturally ease symptoms while promoting a more social and engaging lifestyle.

Like a well-trusted friend, a furry best friend is a companion that will love their owner until the bitter end.   They provide companionship at any hour of the day or night when sadness might strike.  Pets always have an ear to listen, no matter how many times their owner tells the same story.

The dinner table will never be lonely, and they are almost always up for playtime.  Adopting a pet for those who suffer from diagnosed and treated mild depression can also provide comfort, security, and happiness through having to care for another.  In this way, those suffering must engage in life and forget about their sadness.

Is it safe for a depressed person to adopt a pet?

Yes and no.  This answer depends on the extent of depression.  Those suffering from mild depression will have no problem adopting and caring for a pet.

Specific individuals struggling with moderate to major depression may have a harder time caring for an adoptive pet.  These individuals must consult a physician before adopting any pet to ensure that they will adequately care for the new dog or cat.

How else does adopting a pet promote good health?

There are many ways that pets help promote good health and a healthy lifestyle.  Aside from having a cute and cuddly fur baby around to hug and snuggle, they can also enhance our health in the following ways:

• Chase away loneliness
• Promote physical health and exercise
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Boost self-esteem
• Create stronger social relationships
• Naturally, aid in relaxation
• Aid in heart health
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Create structure in our lives and increase self-discipline
• Increased immunity and protection against allergies
• Aid in childhood development and wellness
• Provide comic relief and laughter

Potential health benefits vary from one person to another, depending on their personality, physical ability, and lifestyle.  Adopting a pet can change a person’s life on many levels by bringing us unconditional happiness, companionship, and love.

What should I do if I want to adopt a pet?

For those who want to adopt a dog or cat but have pre-existing mental, emotional, or physical health conditions, it is best to consult with their doctor before doing so.

Once done, then adopting a pet is as simple as using the internet to locate a local animal rescue facility that can help on the journey to adoption.  They can guide individuals to which pets would be best for their unique situation, ensuring the best fit for pet and owner.  This guidance helps reduce the possibility of a pet being returned to the facility later.

In Conclusion

Depression and other health conditions can sometimes make it hard for us to live a happy and fulfilling lifestyle.  With our current global situation, many of us find ourselves feeling sad and depressed.  Read our previous blog post to discover if adoption is a good choice right now.

Thankfully, with their natural zest for life, and loving nature, pets will always find a way to bring happiness to our lives by being who they are!  Imagine how boring and lonely we would be without them!

The post Can Adopting A Pet Help With Depression? first appeared on utahanimals.

The post Can Adopting A Pet Help With Depression? appeared first on utahanimals.

I want to adopt a pet, and I am concerned whether it is safe for me to do so.  I don’t know if facilities are open at this time and if they are taking necessary precautions for everyone’s safety.

Many are confused about where to begin or if it is even possible to adopt at this time.  Here is what I found out.

Can I adopt a pet during COVID-19?

Can I adopt a pet during COVID-19?  Yes, dogs and cats are still available for adoption.  Individuals and families that are serious about this decision are encouraged to adopt, at this time.   Many facilities are open with limited hours or by appointment only.  All facilities are implementing the necessary precautions for everyone’s safety, including the animals.

We have all had many worries, fears, and concerns since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We have seen our secure lives turned upside down in the blink of an eye, replaced with masks, gloves, and distance from those we love.

For many, the loneliness of this isolation during COVID-19 has been especially hard.   Today we are all facing the possibility that COVID-19 may not go away anytime soon.  This sad reality has caused some to consider adopting a beloved dog or cat in need.

The first step in this process of adopting a pet during COVID-19 is to investigate adoption options in your geographical area using the internet and social media.  Through the internet, adopters can get in touch with facilities and available pets in their area.

Once a facility has is chosen, potential adopters can use their website, email, or phone number to begin the adoption process.  At this time, potential adopters can inquire about the facilities’ safety protocol and what comes next.

What safety precautions are in place?

There are many safety precautions in place now.  Since the start of COVID-19 all facilities have closed for the safety and protection of their animals, staff, and the public.  All facilities are taking appropriate precautions and safety measures according to the CDC and state recommendations to ensure everyone’s safety.

These include the wearing of masks and gloves by everyone from the veterinarian to the volunteer and public.  This protocol is required and non-negotiable.

Other current safety measures include limiting hours of operation or being closed to the public.  Having meet and greets by appointment only, limiting the number of people visiting.

Am I at risk of contracting COVID-19 from a rescue or shelter pet?

The CDC is still learning about this virus, but current research finds the incidence of transmission from animal to human, or human to animal, a low risk.   As stated above, facilities have in-depth safety precautions in place to protect everyone. 

When an animal enters a facility, it receives necessary veterinary care, including the screening for symptoms of COVID-19.

Animals are then quarantined for the necessary amount of time to ensure everyone’s safety, including the other animals at the center.

Everyone at these facilities is taking the same safety precautions when handling and caring for these animals as they would their co-worker, friend, family member, or the public.  Staff use gloves, masks, and disinfecting products for the health of the animals.

Through on-going research, the CDC currently considers the potential cross transmission between animals and humans to be low risk.  For more information about COVID-19 in animals, please check out the CDC website.

Another great resource for useful information pertaining to pet safety during this pandemic can be found at the FDA website.

Why it’s a good idea to adopt a pet right now?

It’s a good idea to adopt a pet right now because there is an increase in animals in shelters and rescue centers.

Many individuals and families are finding themselves in difficult financial and medical situations due to this pandemic.  Some are finding it hard to care for their furry loved ones and are bringing them to these facilities.  These struggles are causing an increase in the number of dogs and cats in these facilities.  Without adopters, many of these animals might end up euthanized.

By adopting a pet, you are not only providing a happy and loving home to a dog or cat in need.   You are also helping stop euthanasia because of this global pandemic.

In Conclusion

No one knows what the future of this pandemic will bring for our lives.  By adopting a dog or cat, you can provide them with a stable home environment amidst the difficulties of this pandemic.

The love, affection, and care that you can provide them, as well as what they share with you, can help overcome the difficult times, we all face right now.

The post Adopting A Pet During A Pandemic first appeared on utahanimals.

The post Adopting A Pet During A Pandemic appeared first on utahanimals.