The Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
In recent years, there have been many studies conducted examining the possible health benefits of owning a pet. The results are staggering. There is now overwhelming evidence that pets have numerous positive effects on both physical and mental health.
The Physical Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
Pets do a wonderful job of reducing stress, and play an important role in a holistic approach to healthy living. Dr. Karen Allen has conducted an interesting study involving stock brokers suffering from high blood pressure. The stock brokers were observed as they adopted dogs or cats. The results show that having a cat or dog can help overcome a stress-induced increase in blood pressure. Dr. Alan Beck conducted studies showing that petting a dog helps to lower blood pressure and slows heart rate as well. Another health benefit of owning a dog is that dogs encourage their owners to get more exercise. On average, dog owners walk more often and for longer periods of time than other people of the same age who don't have dogs.
The Emotional Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
Pets can be very important to a person's mental well-being. In fact, an Australian study shows that cat owners suffer from fewer mental disturbances than people without cats. Pets can be good friends during periods of loneliness and depression. The simple chores involved in pet care, such as shopping and cleaning, can help get your mind on something other than your own problems. Interaction with pets is so effective at improving mental health that there are entire programs devoted to using animals in the treatment of patients. The process is known as Pet Therapy or Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT).
Walking a dog is an especially good way to fight loneliness. Dogs are great conversation starters, and you never know what new friends you could make out at the park. But pets also improve relationships you already have, particularly with family members. Animals often act silly and do funny things that the whole family can laugh at together. These moments can ease tension and provide opportunities for relaxed conversation.
The Feeling Is Mutual
All kinds of pets, including birds and fish, can help you relax and enjoy a better life. But people are not the only ones to gain from human-animal relationships. Pets also benefit from the interaction and affection. For example, when someone pets a dog it lowers the blood pressure of both the human and the dog. So find the pet that is right for your lifestyle and schedule and ensure that the animal benefits, and establish a long-lasting, mutual friendship.
