‘Cuddle chemical’ eases stress, resting heart rate

By Dr. Beth Leermakers

“Laughter is wine for the soul.” — Sean O’Casey 

I don’t laugh as often as I’d like to. Some days my dogs are the only reason I have to chuckle. This morning I watched my foster dogs chasing each other around my yard, pausing only to wrestle in the dirt. Did I mention that both dogs are mostly white? Despite knowing I wouldn’t have time to bathe them today, I had to laugh at their joyful antics. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins (natural feel-good chemicals that produce a sense of well-being), reducing stress. 

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a good time to think about why we are thankful to have pets in our lives. If you don’t have a cat or dog, you can still enjoy these benefits by volunteering for a local shelter or rescue group. 

Five Reasons to Be 

Grateful For Pets

Unconditional love. My dogs are always happy to see me when I come home, even when I’ve only been gone for five minutes. They don’t mind if I’m in a hurry, in a grumpy mood, or even mad at them (hey, it happens; I’m human, and they’re dogs who get into trouble sometimes). My pups still wag their tails and snuggle up to me for petting and belly rubs. 

Personal trainers. I walk my dogs every morning, unless the sidewalks are icy and it’s not safe. On drizzly or super cold mornings I probably wouldn’t walk if I didn’t have big dogs counting on me (and staring at me until we head out the door). Walking is terrific for your — and your dog’s — mental and physical health. Walking your dog for the recommended 30 minutes every day can improve your cardiovascular fitness, reduce stress and increase endorphins, giving you that runner’s high. Walking on sunny days boosts serotonin (the feel-good hormone), giving you an extra dose of [something.]. 

Social contact. I know (or at least recognize) my neighbors who are out walking when I am. My lab girl rolls over on her back (sometimes in the middle of the street) so one neighbor can pet her belly while we talk. Dogs make people seem more approachable, and they provide topics for conversation. People at “human parks” rarely talk to strangers, but folks at dog parks often chat with other pet parents while their pooches play. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the only in-person social contact I had some days was at the dog park (from a safe distance, of course).

Heart health. There’s a reason therapy dogs and cats are common visitors in nursing homes, hospitals and places where stress levels are high. Cats have a calming, anti-anxiety effect. Petting your cat releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone (or “cuddle chemical”) that makes you feel less stressed. Studies have found that cat parents have lower blood pressure and resting heart rate. The sound of your cat’s purr can lower your blood pressure and calm your nerves.

Sense of purpose. People who struggle with depression, or who have too much time on their hands, sometimes need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. When your cat jumps on your head, telling you it’s breakfast time, you get moving. When your dog bounces around you, carrying her leash in her mouth, you lace up your walking shoes and head out the door. Caring for pets provides daily structure/routine that is reassuring. 

Don’t have a cat or dog but want to experience these benefits? 

Here are a few ways to gain the pet benefits without the daily commitment:

1. Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog. My neighbor Joan, who is looking for the right dog to adopt, helps me by walking one of my foster dogs or having one of them spend the afternoon at her house. Joan enjoys the furry companionship, and the dogs love the special attention and treats. 

2. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or rescue group. Dallas Animal Services (BeDallas90.org) and other DFW-area shelters need people to foster dogs and cats, socialize/cuddle the cats, walk the dogs, photograph the animals and help potential adopters meet animals. Rescue groups need volunteers to foster animals, help at adoption events, transport animals to foster homes or vet visits, photograph the animals, promote them on social media and organize fundraisers. Visit petfinder.com for a list of DFW-area rescue groups. Check out White Rock Dog Rescue (whiterockdog.org), a group that always needs volunteers and foster homes. 

3. Join a dog walking or running group at Dallas Animal Services or the Garland shelter. Visit https://bedallas90.org/home/volunteer-opportunities/ for information about D90 Dog Runners at the Dallas shelter. Visit http://garlandtx.gov/3873/Volunteer-Programs for information about the Garland Run D.O.G. program (you can walk instead of run). 

This week I’m thankful that my two, dirty foster dogs are heading up to Wisconsin to find their forever homes. 

Happy Thanksgiving!