The Benefits of Having a Pet When You Have Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can be an incredibly lonely condition. Even when surrounded by others, no matter how supportive they may be, one can feel that with the difficulty explaining the that often come with the disease. It’s draining to have people constantly asking you how you are and what you are feeling. When alone, however, a fibromyalgia sufferer can really feel the loneliness that often comes with chronic pain.

For this reason, many find having a pet can greatly improve quality of life when struggling with fibromyalgia. Although this can initially seem daunting, there are many benefits that can provide a real lifeline for sufferers.

Routine

One of the benefits of pet ownership is the new routine. Whether this is just feeding, bathing or taking for walks, every animal (no matter how big or small) needs to be looked after. In setting a routine for an animal, we are also setting one for ourselves. Often on days of flare-ups, fibromyalgia can limit our activity. On days without routine, mental health can often be affected, causing us to feel slow and sad. As is well documented, stress and anxiety are shown to have impacts upon fibromyalgia symptoms. Having a reason and a time to be up and active every day can do wonders for this. A pet can dominate your routine, instead of fibromyalgia.

Mood

Alongside the obvious mood changes that naturally follow from having a newly implemented regime, there is further study to demonstrate that the presence of animals can release endorphins. Interacting with animals naturally causes the body to release these “happy” peptides into the body – causing the relief of stress and pain. Moreover, the pet can cause a distraction from internal concerns about one’s condition. The presence of an animal, needing love and attention, can divert one’s attention away from their own pain. 

Exercise

One of the most common treatments told to those who suffer with fibromyalgia is light exercise. This often seems like a huge contradiction: when you’re in pain, the last thing you can think of doing is going for a walk. If you have a dog or puppy, however, the choice falls out of your hands. The regular routine of having to walk your pet encourages you to get out the house and move. It has been shown that walking each day reduces chronic pain. Becoming a pet owner improves not only our mental, but also our physical wellbeing.

Companionship

Having an animal that you are close to in the house lessens loneliness. Many of our readers report that the suffering they go through daily due to their diagnosis leaves them feeling isolated and disconnected – even from those who know them best. A loving and caring pet can provide solace and comfort, whilst not needing explanations as to why you might feel quiet or out of sorts.

Some Things To Consider

Although there are certainly many benefits to having a pet when suffering from fibromyalgia, there are specific things to consider when taking the plunge. 

Time

As lovely as it might seem to gain a new pet, if you are a busy parent, or work full time in a demanding job, it might not be for you. Pets improve our quality of life as long as they are not adding to stress and burden. If changing a litter box for your cat, or taking a dog on a walk seems like too much to add to your routine, it may not be the best idea to become a pet owner. Stress worsens symptoms and leaves you feeling resentful, as opposed to joyful. It is also worth considering that cats take considerably less time a day to look after than dogs. Caged animals, such as rabbits or hamsters take less time to look after, although they too come with their own challenges.  

Breed

If buying a dog this is a particularly important factor to consider. It is probably unwise for a sufferer of fibromyalgia to own a very demanding and active dog, such as a Border Collie. Although they may be beautiful, these breeds demand a lot of time to be looked after and cared for. Instead, look at breeds such as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – these need less walking each day, and are happy with less stimulation.

Age

It might be wise to buy or adopt a pet that has already reached maturity. Puppies and kittens, though adorable, are hard work. For many fibromyalgia suffers, the idea of training a new dog might be too much to take on. It is even possible to find fully trained ex-guard or rescue dogs. If you take this route, you are helping out both the dog, and yourself.

Although there are challenges to pet ownership, there are many reasons why as a fibromyalgia sufferer, it is something to be considered!