The benefits of pets for those of us with Parkinson’s disease
Is getting a new dog a good idea?
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During the time in my life when I was busy and always rushing around, with no idea what Parkinson’s disease even was, my husband, John, and I “peaked” on pets: 12 chickens, five cats, two sheep, and two dogs. When I got home from work, I’d rush over to the barn to bring the sheep in for the night, and by the time I got there, all of the other animals would have fallen into line behind me, in anticipation of their dinner. I loved the ritual.
When Parkinson’s arrived on the scene a few years later, not much changed except the speed at which I fed everyone. I decided not just to enjoy the ritual, but also to embrace my slow pace. I soaked up all the animal love that those critters shared with me, and it made me feel calm and fulfilled.
Over the years, we have said goodbye to almost the whole menagerie. Since our last cat, Rosie, died, we’ve just had our two beloved Great Pyrenees, Flora and Daisy.
“I’m sorry,” the vet said at a recent checkup. “Flora has kidney failure and bladder cancer.” We were devastated. Daisy’s hips didn’t work anymore; she could only walk about 10 steps before she fell, and then we had to hoist her up because she couldn’t get up on her own. After 13 years, we made the tearful decision to have them both put down. Saying goodbye to our two giant fluff balls was heartbreaking; their loss deeply affected us because they were such a vital part of our lives.
Are pets suitable for Parkinson’s?
John started talking about getting a new dog, but at first, I wasn’t sure it was the right decision. Are pets even suitable for those of us with Parkinson’s disease? I mean, tripping hazard! I looked it up, and it turns out that they may be a good decision for a variety of reasons.
They encourage us to exercise, which is always a good thing. Flora and Daisy used to walk through our woods with us, chasing squirrels, deer, wild turkeys, and coyotes. The physical activity that comes with dog ownership improves fatigue, bowel function, and appetite, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Cureus.
They give us purpose. Yes, it can be a pain to get home to feed them, but it can be such a bonding experience that it’s completely worth the effort.
Flora would often get the “zoomies” at suppertime, which always gave me a reason to laugh. Pets can spark joy. Just thinking about her zipping around our farmyard makes me smile.
Pets can offer comfort and a sense of calm, making them a gentle source of support for those of us navigating Parkinson’s.
When my mom was still alive, she had dementia and rarely spoke, but when the caregivers brought a service dog into the care facility, she would not only pat the dog, but also had a lot to say about it: “What’s the dog’s name? How old is he? Was he a good boy?”
I always thought those dogs were somewhat magical, the way they brought my mom out of her dementia, albeit briefly.
If you are still on the fence about pet ownership, consider this: The study I mentioned above also noted, “Dog therapy and ownership were found to improve mood, quality of life, and disease symptoms across multiple neurological disorders,” including Parkinson’s.
It’s not just dogs that are a good idea; cats and other animals may be options, because they can all reduce loneliness and depression.
I think a new puppy might be just what the doctor ordered!
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
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