Those furry little critters that welcome us home every night or greet us with a wet nose in the morning are far more than just part of your family. Your pet is actually the perfect remedy for staying healthy.
Yes, your pet – whether it’s a cat or dog, ferret or fish – actually does more for your health than you might think. According to research, pets are natural mood enhancers. Pet your cat or your dog and your body reacts by feeling less stressed. Even watching your fish swim will reduce anxiety. Studies have shown that the level of cortisol, associated with stress, drops when you engage with your pet. This reduction is stress also assists with keeping your blood pressure low. In several studies, pet owners had lower blood pressures than their non pet-owning counterparts. Of interest, children with hypertension also had lower blood pressures while petting their dogs.
Here are a few more health benefits of owning a pet:
1. Lowers Cholesterol & Improves Bone Health: Research has discovered that people who own pets have lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides than those who don’t. However, oftentimes people with pets (especially dogs) are more active because they need to exercise their pet; therefore, they take their dog running, hiking, biking, and to just about every activity they can think of. This, in turn helps pet owners maintain healthier lifestyles, healthy weights and improved heart health. Because of the increased exercise, your bones and muscles are strengthening to guard against osteoporosis.
2. Provides Heart Protection: For cat owners, the news is even better as they can provide additional protection for your heart. According to a 20-year study of cat owners, people who owned cats were 40% less likely to die of a heart attack than those who did not own a cat. Furthermore, research has found that pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease simply because of the presence of their furry friend.
3. Reduces Stroke Risk: Cat owners have been known to suffer from fewer strokes than non cat owners. According to studies, circulation improves when owning a cat because a feline tends to have a more calming effect on their owners than any other animal. It could be because of the calming nature of that ubiquitous purr. (Of interest, felines are the only animals in the world who have the ability to purr.)
4. Fights Depression: While petting your fur ball reduces stress, it also helps you fight depression. It is the unconditional love from that animal that provides significant comfort for those suffering with depression. According to pet therapists, taking care of a pet takes your mind off of yourself, helping you feel better and improves self-esteem.
5. Improves Social Interactions: Pet owners are also more interactive and engaged with others. Studies have found that pet owners enjoy talking with other pet owners, even complete strangers. It was discovered that dog owners, in particular, will stop and chat about their four-legged children while on a walk or visiting a park. Non pet owners do not have that connection and are likely to be less interactive and isolated.
6. Fights Allergies: Contrary to popular belief, pet owners have fewer allergies and a stronger immune system than non pet owners. Research discovered that children who grow up with a family pet are less likely to develop allergies. Of interest, the same goes for those who grow up on farms with horses, pigs or cows. The more exposure, the less likely they are to develop allegories, and instead, maintain good health as they age.
7. Prevents Asthma: Although research has found that pet allergies are the most common trigger for asthma, additional studies have found that cats in particular may have the opposite effect. Infants who grow up in a home with cats are less likely to develop asthma mainly because of the early exposure to the animals.
8. Reduces Diabetic Emergencies: Dog owners, in particular, have found that their companions know when their blood glucose levels drop. They can alert their owners that it’s time for a snack. According to Dogs for Diabetics, one in three dogs living with people with diabetes has the ability to sense diabetic emergencies. The group focuses on training dogs to assist people with managing their diabetes.
9. Overcomes ADHD: Recent research has found that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can actually reduce their symptoms simply by taking care of a pet. Maintaining routine jobs such as feeding, walking, playing, and grooming help children expend excess energy, making it easier for them to concentrate at school as well as fall asleep easier at night.
10. Improves Quality of Life: From therapy dogs to companion animals, pets are probably the most comforting creatures for humans recovering from a devastating illness. Research has shown that people generally feel better when they simply see a dog or a cat. Then, petting the animal actually rebuilds strength and improves overall quality of life.
There are so many great benefits of being a pet owner. For more pet-owning benefits, check out WebMD’s online article titled “27 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health.” If you decide a pet is for you, you might want to check out your local animal shelter first. Oftentimes, abandoned pets are in just as much need of a loving home as you are in providing it.
References:
Nazario, B. (2012). 27 ways pets can improve your health. Retrieved from http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health.
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