Every day I see a study or recommendation about how being in nature can help chronic conditions such as depression, heart disease, brain fog, arthritis, vision problems, high blood pressure, bladder issues, and I could go on and on. There is a biological reason why our bodies respond positively to the cues of nature, but all we really need to know is that there are tremendous health benefits when we get outside. In these modern times we are all struggling to balance nature in our hectic lives. So what does that mean for our pets……???
Atlantic City from my hotel room
Would you bring your pet here?
I just got back from a conference in Atlantic City, which is the small Las Vegas of NJ. That short trip is what inspired this post. For me being trapped inside with stale air, lights flashing, and noises everywhere was an assault on my senses. The smoke from cigarettes and the pumped in air fresheners was the first thing I noticed. Then came the heavy chlorine smell when walking past the indoor pool and greasy food smells by the restaurants. And then of course the food and water was different from what I was used to, causing even more change that my body had to adjust to. Those places make it hard to step outside for fresh air, but I made a point of getting outside whenever I could. Just feeling air on my body and looking out over the ocean for a few minutes was rejuvenating. I saw some people walking around inside with their dogs and had to wonder what their heightened senses were thinking and how it was affecting their well-being.
This trip reminded me of the importance of getting our pets outside. Today it’s raining by me which is another opportunity for my pets to experience fresh air and some natural rain-water which will refresh their coats and give their paws a different sensation. The aromas of nature will also add to their well-being as will the visual cues nature gives. Making sure your pet is exposed to different seasons as they come is essential to overall good health. The gradually changing temperatures and weather allows their body to be able to adjust to these outside influences more easily.
A few tips from Buddy
19yr old Buddy enjoying the outdoors in comfort
Buddy’s family first contacted me a few years ago when they saw some age-related issues starting. Buddy is now a 19yr old kitty who, in his younger days, was an accomplished mouser enjoying his time outside. He was being well cared for while also being able to live the natural life of a cat. As he got older, Buddy became more of an indoor kitty by choice. See how Buddy’s owner continues to bring nature into his life:
from Linda, Buddy’s pet-parent:
“Even though 19 years old, Buddy doesn’t really want to go outside now due to the colder temps. I still open the door and we stand in the doorway for a few moments just to breathe the fresh air and feel the wind blow over our bodies. He still loves to sit in either the morning sun coming into the bay window (on top of the warmed cornpack) or in a south facing picture window with sunbeams bathing him. I know all of the above just helps him feel grounded in his old body!”
…..and Buddy has his own indoor garden to munch on! Taking this cue from a life well lived, we should all be sure to make it a priority to get our pets outside OR bring some nature in!