April 11th is National Pet Day
April 11th is National Pet Day! We’re sure that there isn’t a day that goes by without you showing love and appreciation to your pet. But tomorrow, we encourage you to show extra care to your feline friend and canine companion. Pets add so much value to life for so many reasons. They help with loneliness, they enrich families, and they’re a ball of fun. Today we’ll discuss the physical benefits of owning a pet, some fun quarantine pet activities, and pet adoption information as it relates to The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS).
Physical/Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
Pets keep pet owners active, especially dogs. Reports show that senior adults experience a lot of health benefits when they own a dog. They have a lower body index, make fewer visits to the doctor, and exercise more. Research also shows that, in general, if you have a strong bond with your pet, you’re more inclined to walk and walk for a long time.
Owning a pet also boosts your cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association has extensively researched the effects of owning a pet as it relates to cardiovascular disease (CVD). They found that cats reduce the chances of dying from CVD, especially as it relates to strokes. It’s not only the exercise that ties into physical well-being, but companionship and stress relief also have positive physical health benefits. Here are some other benefits of owning a pet:
- You become more sociable
- You’re less likely to feel lonely
- Pets help with well-being overall
- Pets can help you manage long-term mental health issues
Quarantine Pet Activities
During these challenging times, it’s easy to become bored. While experts enforce that we should practice social distancing, it doesn’t mean that you can’t socialize with your pets (especially since tomorrow is National Pet Day). Here are some fun quarantine pet activities:
- Dog Yoga (or Doga)
- Playing “find the treats.”
- Crafting toys for your pets with your children (cats would greatly appreciate feathers hanging from a string)
- Taking a neighborhood walk (while practicing social distancing, of course)
- Having a movie night with your kids and pets (Think: “All Dogs Go to Heaven,” “The Secret Life of Pets,” “The Aristocats”, and “101 Dalmatians”.
About BARCS
BARCS is a non-profit that operates Maryland’s largest animal shelter and pet adoption center. Each day, roughly 30 animals that need love, housing, food, and a family or more fill up the non-profit. To learn more information about adopting a pet, click here. To keep up with the latest news in pet health, keep reading our blogs, and we hope that you and your pet(s) enjoy National Pet Day.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!