The benefits of owning a pet
Having a pet at home can not only improve one’s health and social skills, but a new friend is gained as well.
When quality time is spent with a furry friend, it can have an everlasting positive impact on one’s life.
In an article called “6 Ways Pets can Improve Your Health,” published in Oct. 2013 by Lisa Fields on WebMD, Dr. Allen R. McConnell, who is a pet researcher and a professor of psychology at Miami University was interviewed.
“We found that pet owners, on average, were better off than non-owners, especially when they have a higher quality relationship with their pets,” McConnell said. The strength in relationship varies from person to person.
If people have a dog, they are less likely to get heart cancer.
The aforementioned WebMD article says dog owners are more active because they have to take more care of their pet, which requires more movement. Owners who walk their dogs more are found to have a lower blood pressure.
Animalsmart.org says playing with a pet helps increase the levels of stress, reducing hormones and decrease the production of stress, causing hormones.
An article called “17 Health Benefits of Owning a Cat” on mritechnicianschools.net, published in June 2010 says having a cat has many health benefits as well, like an improved immune system, reduced blood pressure and reduced stress.
Reducing stress helps all around physical health, so having a pet around has a direct correlation with better health.
An article written by Lawrence Robinson and Jeanne Segal in December 2016 called
“Mood boosting Power of Dogs,” on Helpguide.org, says dogs are very good at recognizing tones of voice, gestures and body language. Dogs will actually try to understand what people are feeling and thinking, and try to help one cope with their emotions.
It is proven that having a pet around can help one retain good health and even improve one’s health who is not in the best condition. Pets are there to not only be a friend and loyal companion, but to help get through tough life situations.
