You might be surprised at how big
of a role your favorite animal can play in your health! Here are just a few
ways your furry or slippery friend can benefit your overall well being.
- Pets are natural mood enhancers: Watching an animal can make a person feel less anxious and stressed. Cortisol (a “stress” hormone) lowers and serotonin (a “happiness” hormone) rises when observing a fish swim, a cat bat at a ball, or a dog sleep on the couch.
- Studies have shown that pet owners have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides than non pet owners.
- Studies also have shown that pet owners have lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease, including heart failure!
- Since pets can offer a high dosage of unconditional love, will listen for hours, and typically will willingly take any attention or time spent with it, therapists often recommend getting a pet to combat depression.
- Individuals who own dogs tend to be more physically active; two 15 minute walks a day to take the dog out will cover the daily recommended amount of exercise.
- Pet owners tend to like to talk about their beloved companion, and often a pet is a natural conversation starter. This increase in human interaction and less isolation facilitates more socialization and is good for our mental and emotional health.
- Researchers have found that children who grow up around animals tend to develop less allergies and stronger immune systems.
- For diabetics, there are dogs who are trained to alert their owner when blood glucose levels drop dangerously low, reminding them to snack or alter medications.
- Children with ADHD benefit in owning and being responsible for a pet and maintaining a schedule.
- Emulating your dog or cat’s daily stretching routine will help arthritis and injury prevention while exercising.
- Animals are often used in therapeutic settings; horseback riding has been a very successful tool for stroke victims or individuals with limb limiting disabilities to stretch and give movement to stiff or unmovable bodies.
