By Lauren Malmberg
Pet ownership not only provides companionship, unconditional love, and great fun, but owning a pet can actually improve your health. All kinds of companion animals — from cats and dogs to fish or horses — help us stay healthy and fit. Most of the time, we don’t even recognize how they promote good health — we just enjoy and love them.
First and foremost, pets help us reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and beat the blues. Merely petting your dog or cat can raise your levels of serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals in your brain that cause you to feel good. Studies conducted by Karen Allen, PhD, a medical researcher at the University of Buffalo, demonstrated that stockbrokers who owned a pet had lower blood pressure readings during stressful situations than those who did not. She also discovered that people who had to conduct a stressful task experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a spouse, family member, or close friend was nearby. Owning a pet can also help children adjust better to serious illness or the death of a parent.
Other researchers found that pet owners with AIDS were far less likely to suffer from depression than those without. Animals not only offer unconditional love, but they also give their owners a sense of purpose, and help them combat loneliness. The sick and elderly often experience feelings of joy and happiness after spending time with pets. “Studies show that Alzheimer’s patients experience fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home,” says Lynette Hart, PhD, of the University of California at Davis. Pet owners often have better psychological well-being overall and feel less afraid of being a victim to a crime in their home.
Pets help us heal, too. The purr of a cat creates vibrations within a range of 20–140 Hz, which is known to be medically therapeutic. This purring power has been shown to promote healing of infection, swelling, and muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries. Furthermore, pets can help ease pain from migraines or arthritis. One study from Loyola University found the people who use pet therapy while recovering from surgery may need significantly less pain medication than those who don’t.
Surprisingly, pets can help prevent allergies and improve immunity. Health experts have long thought that if there was a pet in the family, the children were more likely to become allergic. They also advised that if a family was allergy-prone, they should avoid pets. However, several studies now indicate that children who grow up in a home with furry pets — dog, cat, or even large animals — will have less risk of allergies and asthma. Researcher Dr. James E. Gern, a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, analyzed the blood of babies immediately after birth and then again one year later. Those babies who lived with dogs in the home showed less evidence of pet allergies, were less likely to have eczema, and had higher levels of immune system chemicals which suggested a stronger immune system.
Pets help our hearts. People who own pets, particularly men, have significantly lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those who don’t. Heart attack patients who have dogs survive longer than those without. Cat owners experience benefits as well — those with cats are 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack and 40 percent less likely to have a stroke. According to the University of Texas School of Public Health, stress can cause a buildup of cortisol and norepinephrine, which in turn leads to plaque buildup in arteries — a red flag for heart disease. So in addition to reducing stress levels, playing with your pet can actually reduce your risk for heart disease.
Owning a pet also increases a person’s social interactions with other humans. Walking a dog can instantly attract others and present a natural conversation starter. This helps those who may be isolated or shy make new acquaintances and build relationships. Researchers found that those who own pets had increased social contact and were more socially engaged.
Of course, pet owners usually live more active lives and experience the benefits of exercise that comes from walking, riding, or playing with their pets. Adults and children with pets are often more fit. Children with pets demonstrate an enhanced self-esteem, as well as increased cognitive development and nurturing behavior.
If you add a pet to your household, you’ll not only receive non-judgmental and unconditional love and worship — you’ll be healthier and better equipped to deal with the stresses of the world.
Consider adopting a new pet when you’re ready from an animal shelter or rescue group, like the Peoria County Animal Protection Services. We have many terrific domestic pets looking for forever homes. Come visit us today! Call Peoria County Animal Protection Services at 309-672-2440.
This article is sponsored by Waggin’ Tails Doggy Daycare and Resort, Goodfield, IL. Email waggintailsresort@gmail.com or call 309-642-9299 for your dog’s boarding, doggy daycare and grooming needs.
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