You might have heard the saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what about petting a pet a day? Have you ever thought about that? When it comes to owning a pet, there are several verified health benefits for people of all ages.
A pet usually holds the role of a best friend and companion. They will love you unconditionally, are up for a cuddle when it's bedtime, stay by your side when you are not feeling well, and there's nothing better than a pet hug after a long tiring day. There are health related benefits as well. Research has verified that owning a pet is advantageous for people of all ages and in particular, more preferable in the early and latter age brackets.
Allergy and Asthma
It used to be that if your family had a pet, it was assumed that children could eventually become allergic to them. And if allergies run in the family, then keeping pets in the house must be avoided. According to a research conducted by James E. Gern, a paediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison says that there is less risk of allergies and asthma if kids grow up with furred animals such as cats or dogs, or exposed to large animals on a farm. If exposing your children to pets in their early years strengthens their immune system and reduces their chances of getting any diseases from the pets.
Healthy Heart
Taking your dog for a walk, playing with your cat or just watching your fish swim in the aquarium provides physical, mental and emotional activities which keeps your heart healthy and fit which decreases your risk of heart attack and other heart-related illnesses. Recent heart-related studies from the Centres for Disease Control conclude that pet owners show decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels and controlled blood pressure compared to those who don't own pets.
Overcoming Stress
Spending time with a pet or just watching them play helps you relax. Just the presence of a pet has a huge impact on the mental health and is a source of pleasure and joy for the pet owners. Research has shown that keeping a pet reduces your heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
Social Benefits
Human beings are social creatures. If we don't socialise, we die. Every human being needs someone to converse with and share their thoughts and emotions. Pets can be quite helpful in situations like these. They can lessen the feelings of loneliness and isolation, and can provide a sense of purpose which is most common in the case of elderly people. Many senior care facilities and others have Animal-assisted Therapy AAT or Pet-facilitated Therapy programmes. Having to make the effort to care for a pet regularly provides a feeling of fulfilment. Pets are the best way to beat the blues. The companionship of your pet can boost your mood and bring feelings of joy and happiness.
Love and Affection
Everybody is hungry for love and affection, and is looking for that very personal connection that will satisfy these needs. A pet will certainly do this. The companionship of a pet can be the antidote for loneliness. Research has shown that children who have pets are often less self-centred and more caring than those who don't have one. People who are ill are more likely to be happier if they have a pet, and, in most situations, recover early than expected.
Physical Activity
Need someone to motivate you to exercise? Pets can be the best physical fitness motivators. Dogs in particular can be your ultimate personal trainers. According to research conducted by the National Institute of Health found that dog owners who responsibly take their dogs daily for a walk are less likely to be obese than dog owners who pass the duty to someone else or those who do not even own a dog.
Socialising Agent
Pets can considerably help you interact and mingle with people around you. Taking your pet to an obedience training school, to the vet, to the park or just for a walk gets you into social situations which can help you overcome shyness and build confidence. It gives you new opportunities to increase your network and social circle.
How many of you don't even know who lives across the street or next door? Pets are often a catalyst for conversation.
Increases Serotonin and Dopamine
Enjoyable activities with and pleasurable sights of your pets can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine which are hormones that produce pleasing and calming feelings in our brain.
Whether you own a dog, parakeet, cat, fish or other kind of pet, the emotional and physical benefits of that kind of relationship have been well documented. Pets are not only friends, but companions and confidantes. They understand our moods perhaps almost better than we do. Some say that owners don't pick the pets and that pets actually pick their owners. While this may be true of individual pets, you still need to choose which kind of pet is best for you. If you're thinking of getting a pet, there are obviously lots of things to consider – how much space you have, how much time and money you have to make sure your pet gets the care it needs. You may also need to make sure the pet you choose is allowed in your particular state or by your city bylaws.
Pets can offer friendship for life, something sometimes even human beings can't offer. Their unconditional love is what greets you at the door even if you've only been gone for two minutes. If you're considering getting a pet, you have even more reason to add one to your family.