The benefits of owning dogs while living with MS

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) has changed almost every part of my life, which sometimes feels overwhelming. Simple tasks are more complex than before. One thing that has helped me cope is being a dog mom.

I have a 12-year-old rescue dog that we adopted in 2014. He is a Maltese named Magoo, but I call him my little old man. I also have a 5-year-old miniature Australian shepherd, Casey, that we got when he was a puppy. I have a “grand-dog” as well. Last December, my son and his girlfriend got a Belgian Malinois puppy named Benny. He is 70 pounds of energy and love. I affectionately call him “demon dog” because he is constantly causing trouble, but I still love him.

My dogs have become much more than pets — they are companions, motivators, and a source of comfort. Having them in my life has brought me emotional support, encouraged me to stay active, and helped me feel more connected to others.

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One of the most significant benefits of having my dogs is their emotional support. MS can be frustrating and unpredictable, and on some days I feel discouraged. Petting my dogs calms me down and distracts me from my symptoms, even for a little while. Spending time with them helps me feel more grounded and at peace. They do not care that I have MS, and it’s reassuring to know that no matter what my health looks like from day to day, their love and loyalty never change.

Another way my dogs help me is by keeping me active, particularly on days when I feel unmotivated or tired. Today, I got home from work late and ate a bowl of cereal for dinner because I didn’t feel like cooking, yet I still walked my dogs for 30 minutes. My dogs enjoy their walks, and knowing they depend on me gives me the push I need to maintain a physical activity routine. After our walk, I felt more refreshed and a sense of accomplishment for getting some exercise.

I live in a safe neighborhood, but I’m concerned about having mobility issues due to MS that could affect my ability to fight or flee in a dangerous situation. I feel safer walking with my dogs, especially in the evening. Both of my dogs will alert me if something is wrong, and I have complete confidence that Casey will protect me against anything dangerous. This helps me feel safe and more relaxed when I take walks.

Owning dogs has also opened up social opportunities. MS can sometimes make me feel isolated, as I have limited social interactions at times due to the symptoms. When I take my dogs on walks, people stop to say hello, chat about something we have in common, or smile or wave as we pass by. These small interactions brighten my day and connect me to others in my neighborhood.

For me, dogs are an essential part of my life. They bring me joy even when I’m having a tough day, motivate me to exercise when I don’t feel like it, and help me stay connected to people. My dogs aren’t just pets; they are companions, exercise partners who hold me accountable, and a source of unconditional love.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.