You probably know that pets bring a lot of fun and laughter into a home. You may have even heard that having a pet can lower your blood pressure. However, it may surprise you to know that lower blood pressure is not the only health benefit pets provide to their owners.
1- Decreased Depression and Anxiety
The companionship offered by pets has been proven to lower the rates of depression and anxiety in pet owners. This is especially true for pet owners who are house-bound, such as the terminally ill and the elderly.
Alzheimer's patients benefit even more than others. Studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients who are pet owners have less frequent anxiety outbursts and are typically more relaxed than patients without pets.
2- Boost Immunity
It may seem unlikely, but children brought up in homes with pets are less likely to suffer from asthma and allergies. Studies have shown that babies who live with dogs have a stronger immune system. It is assumed the dirt and germs tracked in by the dogs boost immune systems over time. Additionally, pets' ability to make people happy and less stressed lowers cortisol and norepinephrine which are known to damage the immune system.
3-Improved Social Lives
Dogs garner attention and are easy icebreakers for conversations. This can be an convenient way for shy owners to meet people when they would have been unable to in other ways. Many pet-owners are also able to make friends with other animal-lovers at places like the dog-park or at a vet office like Hamilton Road Animal Care. This also can broaden social interactions. People with stronger social ties are known to suffer from less depression, are at a lower risk of developing many diseases and are often more committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
4-Help Monitor Blood Sugar
Many pets have shown an awareness of their owner's blood sugar level. When the level drops, their behavior changes. This natural tendency, found more frequently in dogs than in other animals, is now being built upon. Companion animals are currently being trained by organizations like Dogs4Diabetics to partner pets with people who have unstable blood glucose levels.
5- Helping Kids with Autism and ADHD
Pets have always been considered an effective means of teaching children responsibility. For children who are diagnosed with ADHD, it can help them to learn to focus through the routine of caring for an animal. Children with autism receive a substantial amount of therapy for sensory issues simply by holding and petting a cat or dog.
Additional benefits from pets include pain relief (thought to be from reduced anxiety), an increased chance of surviving a heart attack, and significantly reduced rates of stroke among other things. They are also a great source of encouragement for the elderly to stay active.
Many people people consider pets to be an unsanitary and unhealthy influence. Mounting evidence, however, shows that pets are highly beneficial to your health. Visiting a veterinary hospital in Columbus or whatever area you are from is sure to help you determine which kind of pet would be right for you. Taking home a new pet could not only put you on the road to better health, but also to a wonderful and satisfying friendship!
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Add a Comment2 Comments
That's awesome! Pets can benefit health in so many ways, so they are a great thing for families and individuals to seriously consider for a number of reasons.
January 6, 2014 - 8:47amThis Comment
Ha ha! Pets are definitely a great thing to have around to teach kids responsibility, but it's nice to know that they can also help improve everyone's health too. I recently got a cat and she really has made me feel more emotionally healthy for sure. I always feel better when she comes up to see me and get some love!
January 6, 2014 - 8:42amThis Comment