Expert Contributor Written by Donna Dybus, Clinical Director The Spayed Club Veterinary Clinic
The Human-Animal Connection
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veryone knows that pets provide companionship and unconditional love. Dog owners know the joy of this love whenever they enter the house: Their dog is always thrilled to see them. Cat owners know the joy of unconditional love when even the most aloof cat curls up next to them and lays a paw (hopefully with nails tucked) on their leg, in a sign of trust and love. The year 2020 brought us the COVID-19 virus and its many challenges. Some were weirdly amusing, such as why toilet paper was hoarded during a respiratory pandemic. Some challenges were heartbreakingly sad, such as figuring out how to safely quarantine from loved ones. New phrases became part of our everyday vocabulary: social distancing, quarantine pod, contact tracing, aerosol droplets, flatten the curve. But as those phrases entered almost every conversation, something else tagged along and gave nuance: anxiety, loneliness, sadness. Thanks to the incredible advances in medicine, we are headed in the right direction towards getting this virus under control as vaccines become more available. But what can relieve the anxiety, loneliness and sadness until we return to “normal”? The answer may be right in front of you, lying in a shaft of sunlight, snoozing on the sofa. Owning a pet enhances one’s life in many ways. Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and ease loneliness just by being there, ready to be stroked or scratched behind the ear. In addition, petting a dog or cat can even improve our cardiovascular health: Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. The bond that people feel with animals further enhances their emotional health as evidenced by the lucrative pet food business and the preponderance of doggy daycares. The reality is that not everyone can — or wants to — own a pet due to a host of reasons such as financial, time constraints, allergies or preferences (think shedding on the sofa). However, those without pets have many opportunities to interact with animals: Join a friend on their dog’s daily walks or volunteer
at an animal shelter and pet the cats waiting to be adopted. In addition to having a reason to leave the house and still maintain COVID safety measures (dogs and cats really don’t care if you are wearing a mask or gloves), a 10-minute petting session is a win-win for the human and the animal. In 2020, we’ve experienced unimaginable stress and loneliness. In this new year, relief for some of that stress is as easy as reaching down and giving your pet a few strokes. M
Affordable, High Quality Veterinary Care
Veterinary Examination for Dog or Cat – $40
See our website for a list of services and transparent pricing.
www.TheSpayedClubClinic.org
484-540-8436 800 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill, PA 19079 Conveniently located 9 short miles from Marple!
The Mission of The Spayed Club Clinic Eliminate unnecessary dog & cat euthanasia through affordable veterinary care and spay/neuter surgeries. The Spayed Club is a 501 (c)3 non-profit charity organization. February 2021
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