Pets Are Good For You!

The studies are in: having a pet is good for you. Scientists are not exactly sure how having a pet makes a person healthier, but they can not argue with the results. Study after study have shown that while we are taking care of our pets, our pets are taking care of us.

The unique bond we share with our pets enriches our lives, and improves our physical health and emotional well being. Pets offer companionship, love, even protection, and that makes them well worth the little bit of time or money you put into them. Nationwide, there is an average of 2.1 cats and 1.6 dogs per household, so a lot of people agree. And now, all these benefits and more have been proven scientifically in nationwide studies. Have high blood pressure? Have a lot of stress? Ever feel depressed or lonely? Having a pet can help get rid of all that. And that is just the beginning of the list of benefits. Take a look below:

Pets help to lower blood pressure and blood fat levels.
A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension (high blood pressure) who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not have a pet. Another study at the University of Pennsylvania found that on average, people with pets have lower blood fat levels and lower blood pressure than people without pets. A national survey done by Medicare has also shown that pet owners tend to be more physically active than those who do not own pets, exercising regularly and more often. As can be expected, dog owners do indeed tend to automatically set aside time to take "Fido" out for a walk, and other pet owners also usually set aside some time daily to play with their pets. This increase in physical activity and exercise, and the stress reduction factor listed below, combine to combat high blood pressure and blood fat levels.

Pets help to reduce stress.
Being with a pet helps to sooth the nerves and offers instant relaxation, reducing tension and anxiety. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is less severe on pet owners - especially men - than on those who do not own a pet. One of the main reasons for this may be that because pets provide people with such unconditional and faithful companionship. They provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus helping to create a state of mental and emotional well being. Not surprisingly, this tends to lower stress and anxiety.

Pets help to reduce the risks of stroke and heart disease.
Because pets help to reduce stress, lower blood fat levels and blood pressure, they automatically reduce the risks of stroke and heart disease.

Pets help to improve general health and lower health care costs.
A 1995 national survey showed that dog and cat owners make fewer annual visits to the doctor, especially for non-serious medical conditions. They tend to stay healthier in general, and are less likely to be dependent on medication for heart problems and sleeping disorders. Another study at Cambridge University found that owning a pet could improve your health in as little as one month! Pet owners reported fewer minor health problems such as headaches, colds and hay fever.

Pets help the sick in hospitals and clinics, and at home.
The growing trend of using animals in children's hospitals and nursing homes - or "pet therapy" - is one of the newest holistic approaches to improving patients' health and well being. You may have noticed that some doctors and dentists place aquariums in their waiting rooms to comfort patients, because it has been shown that aquarium viewing reduces stress. Patients using pets in their psychotherapy sessions tend to report more progress than those who do not use pets. And in general, pet owners have been shown to rehabilitate faster from physical or psychological illnesses than non-pet owners.

Pets help to fight depression, apathy, loneliness and related problems.
When people face problems or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning, helping to promote a greater interest in life. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of happiness, companionship, and security. Caring for a cat or dog can reduce a person's loneliness and depression, and provides social support. In addition to their unconditional affection and love, pets keep us happy and amused with their fascinating antics and zest for life. Also, the "care-taking role" involved in pet ownership may provide people - especially children and the elderly - with a greater sense of purpose and responsibility in life.

Pets help children.
In children, studies have shown that contact with pets can reduce the symptoms of attention deficit disorder. Many autistic children display increased affection and social skills when interacting with animals. For example, children who have trouble reading out loud will be much more at ease reading to a dog or cat. A child's emotional development and personal responsibility can also be encouraged by caring for a pet - children who have pets tend to be more sociable, less selfish, and more self-reliant.

Pets help the family.
The bond that develops between people and their pets creates companionship, fosters a feeling of well being, and helps build healthy family relationships.

As you can see, animals can bring great joy to our lives as well as numerous unexpected physical and psychological health benefits. The rewards of having a pet are great, not only to you the pet owner, but also to the animal itself. Of course, you will still need to visit your doctor, follow the advice of your health care team, take all of your prescribed medications and get your treatments as scheduled, but a pet will be a wonderful addition to your life for many reasons.

If you have any questions regarding animals, pets, or owning a pet, just ask us and we will help you any way we can.

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