Pets are more than just a furry friend for life! We explore some of the benefits of pet ownership for park home owners

Pets and, in particular, cats and dogs can be perfectly compatible with life on a residential or holiday park, often providing their owners with more benefits than just companionship. Many residential parks including Barton Group’s Glenholt Park, near Plymouth, have a relaxed pet policy, providing they are well behaved! In association with Barton Group, here are some ideas of how to get the most out of pet ownership…

FEELING FIT AND HEALTHY
Not only do pets provide companionship and help improve your physical health, but they can also provide therapeutic and emotional benefits. In particular, owning a dog, can keep you really fit. Depending on what breed you have, you’ll be getting out two to three times a day with your companion, come rain or shine. Walking a dog, often doesn’t really feel like exercise, but it helps to get your 10,000 steps in for the day! Plus, getting out in the daylight will make sure you’re getting some vital Vitamin D into your system, along with plenty of fresh air.

BETTER THAN PROZAC!
Dogs, as well as other pets, can help stave off loneliness and can be great companions. They are an easy way to meet other pet owners while out on walks or animal training groups.

You might also decide to have private animal behavioural/training sessions with other residents, to share the cost and enjoy a shared interest together.

Pets give structure to the day and can lower stress levels.

Dog owners are actually less likely to be depressed and caring for a pet helps to encourage people to be more positive.

According to Ingrid Collins, a consultant psychologist at the London Medical Centre: ‘A pet is better than Prozac. Animals have a completely different agenda to humans, and bring things back to basics. They want comfort, feeding and love. In return, they give huge affection.’

KICKING GERMS INTO TOUCH
Who would have thought it, but pets that venture outdoors can improve our immune systems, by bringing germs and dirt from outside into our home. Pets help to strengthen the immune system and build resistance to such things. Plus, dog owners are more likely to have a healthy heart. In fact, research has shown that dog owners are much more likely to survive a heart attack compared to non-dog owners.

 

 

Read the full story in the January 2019 issue of Park Home & Holiday Caravan