Today is Christmas, and whether or not you and your family celebrate big or small, it’s a super GRRRReat day (just like the other 364 days of the year are) to show your furry family members how much you love them! Making them part of the family is why we adopt in the first place, so take a time out EVERY DAY….drop your purse, briefcase or backpack when you come home and get on the floor and play; make time for a walk WITHOUT your cell phone so that you tune in to your dog; let your cat curl in your lap and give her your undivided attention. Paying attention is one of the best ways to make sure you pets stay safe – by noticing them and keeping their environment safe.

You may have heard of Zoonoses – diseases that cross the species barrier, meaning diseases we can get from or give to our pets. Rabies, ringworm, giardia for instance. Well, a new word has been coined in the last few years…ZOOEYIA (ZOO-ey-ah). It describes the health benefits pets provide us – not diseases but good things, the opposite of Zoonoses! The word comes from the Greek roots “zoion” for animal and “hygeia” for the Greek Goddess of health.

Science is proving that making a pet part of your family can decrease the risk of developing colds and asthma by developing stronger immune systems. Pets lower our stress and also our blood pressure, but other health issues have also been recently identified…

• Pets get us moving. Humans of all ages with dogs in the family exercise more than
  those who do not share their lives with a pet as the dog’s need for walks gets us up and going too.
• Pets lower the impact of chronic disease. Studies have shown cats decrease the risk of
  cardiovascular disease in their owners. Having a pet in the life of a cancer patient has
  been shows to provide comfort and support during treatment, which can decrease stress
  and releases endorphins.
• Pets help us kick the habit. Research has shown that knowing secondhand smoke can
  harm out pets has motivated some smokers to quit!
• Pets make us more social. Loneliness and isolation can occur in our increasingly
  urbanized lifestyles, especially among the elderly. Having a pet gets us out meeting people
  (dogs can be babe magnets), taking part in activities with other pet parents, going to parks,
  hiking and just staying in touch with the world.

For all the smiles our dogs and cats give us, make sure you take time — GOOD QUALITY TIME– to let them know each and every day what an important part of your life they are. By spending time with your best friend and tuning in to him or her, you can make safety a priority and help your pets live a longer, happier, healthier life with you!

Additionally, make it a NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION to be an even better Pet Parent by seeking out those amazing things (including quality time spent with you) that can increase the quality of their days with you!