We’ve heard of the many benefits that pets can have on our overall physical and emotional health. One little benefit we don’t hear about as much is the fact that by using pet therapy, those with diabetes can live longer, much healthier lives.
Does pet therapy really work for diabetes? Studies show that by petting some of these animals, you can reduce anxious feelings that stress causes, lower your blood pressure and improve your overall general health.
They also make for excellent companions to your exercise routine. It’s documented that dogs have helped their diabetic owners lower their blood sugar levels and lessen their cardiovascular problems.
Although dogs have been reported to work these wonders with their owners, they aren’t a magical breed of animal. They’re not going to make the condition go away. You still have to watch your diet, take the appropriate medications and follow your doctor’s orders.
They can, however, help lower your stress levels, which have a direct effect on your blood sugar. Having that loyal companion by your side who doesn’t talk back to you or nag you about what you’re doing means a lot when it comes to your diabetic therapy.
Keeping stress levels down increases your chances of controlling the condition without having to resort to insulin injections. In some amazing cases, dogs have been trained to be in tune with their owner’s medical conditions.
Some dogs can recognize warning signs that their diabetic owner may be close to having a diabetic seizure and will do what they’re trained to do to get them the help they need right away. Without that help, someone living alone could end up in a diabetic coma or worse – death!
Theses pets can also be trained to carry items or fetch things for their owners. Those who have trouble walking may rely on their pets to go to another room to get an item they need. The owner, without a trained pet like this, could start off on their own and fall – injuring themselves.
Pet therapy for those with diabetic conditions can be helpful and should be utilized as much as possible. It’s important to remember that even though they can lessen some of the harmful effects diabetes places on you, it should not replace your normal diabetic treatments. Continue to follow your physician’s orders but complement that with the love and health benefits a pet has to offer.
