A Prescription for Pawsitive Health – Why I love my dog
A Prescription for Pawsitive Health – Why I love my dog
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I frequently talk to my patients about lifestyle and the pillars of good health: nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management. But there’s one more question I always ask: “Do you have any pets?” If the answer is yes, I immediately want to see a photo! I also love sharing a photo of my dog, Jinkx. She’s the best part of my self-care routine and I just can’t help but share her cute face! Walking her along the beach, curling up with her after clinic, watching her be joyful, curious, and completely in the moment has had a powerful impact on my own health and wellness. And science agrees!
Pets are good for our health in more ways than one. According to the American Heart Association, pet ownership (especially dogs) has been linked to better overall cardiovascular health. Dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels than non dog owners. A major review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that dog owners have a lower risk of heart disease and even early death. Dog owners are 34% more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking a week than non-dog owners. That daily walk with your dog, It adds up over time in a way that genuinely protects your cardiovascular system!
Beyond the physical, pets also support our mental and emotional health. Petting a pet has been shown to lower cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (a feel-good, bonding hormone). For me, simply being around Jinkx helps me decompress and shift out of “go-go-go” mode and into a more calm and mindful state. It’s no surprise that therapy animals are used in hospitals, care homes, and even universities to reduce stress and improve mood. There’s something uniquely grounding about pets. They live in the moment. They don’t worry about tomorrow’s to-do list or last week’s mistake. They remind us to slow down, breathe, and connect. And if you’ve ever had a pet greet you at the door like you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to them, you know—that’s healing, too. No matter what happened that day, your pet is just happy to see you.
So while Jinkx might not have a medical degree, she’s certainly part of my wellness team. And for many of my patients, pets are a joyful, supportive part of theirs too. Whether you’re a lifelong animal lover or thinking about adding a furry friend to your life, know that the bond you build with a pet doesn’t just feel good, it is good, for body, heart, and mind.
To learn more about lifestyle change and feel good ways to improve overall health, call Integrated Health Clinic at (604) 888-8235 and book your initial consultation today.
Photo: Jinkx and Dr. Hillary Godin, ND paddle boarding in Semiahmoo Bay
References
- American Heart Association – Can Owning a Pet Can Change Your Life? https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pet-owners
- Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIR.0b013e31829201e1
- Dog Ownership and Survival: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.119.005554
- Short-term interaction between dogs and their owners: Effects on oxytocin, cortisol, insulin and heart rate—An exploratory study https://doi.org/10.2752/175303711X13045914865385
- CDC – Healthy Pets, Healthy Peoplehttps://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/index.html
Dr. Hillary Godin, ND. (she/her)
