Surprising Health Benefits for Pet Owners
by Patricia Wagner
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Want enhanced health? A pet can help you become healthier.
By Patricia Wagner
Did you know that there are key health benefits that can result from
owning a pet? Having one can enhance your physical, mental and social
wellbeing.
1. How can a pet help your physical health?
Owning a dog, for instance, will encourage you to get more exercise.
With your faithful friend at your side, you're much more likely to go for
a walk. Walking is one of the best health activities you can do. While
walking you're also more likely to socially interact with your neighbors
because your special pal often acts as an ice-breaker.
Research led by Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of New York at
Buffalo shows that pets can help lower blood pressure. Stockbrokers with
high blood pressure were studied to see what happened when they adopted a
pet dog or cat. Researchers concluded that having a pet nearby helps
control increases in blood pressure due to stress.
In his studies Alan Beck, ScD (Professor of Animal Ecology, Purdue
University) found that the simple act of petting your dog slows your heart
rate and causes your blood pressure to drop.
An added health advantage from pet ownership is that patients may live
longer after heart attacks. Some doctors recommend that a heart attack
survivor adopt a dog because research has shown that a faithful canine
companion can help prolong an owner's life.
2. How Can A Pet Improve Your Mental Health?
Sharing your life with a cat may help your mental health. A study
conducted at Australia's University of New England found that people who
own feline friends may experience fewer psychiatric disturbances than
those without cats.
Pets can help their owners overcome depression through their
companionship and unconditional love. They seem to possess the natural
ability to help you relax and enjoy life more.
Pets can also help when you experience times of loneliness. English
poet, Alexander Pope, has stated that histories are more full of examples
of the fidelity of dogs than of friends. According to a Chinese proverb,
dogs have so many friends because they wag their tails, not their
tongues.
When you take care of a pet you have to develop a routine of getting
out, buying food and providing exercise. This can help fight off
depression and loneliness. The simple responsiblity of pet care can help
you get your mind off yourself and your problems.
3. How can a pet enhance your wellbeing in the area of
relationships?
American Animal Hospital Association President, Link Wellborn, believes
that pets are more than just a member of the family - they're central to a
healthy lifestyle.
Pets help lessen tension between family members and add a lot of fun
and unconditional love to the homes where they live. When pets do cute and
funny things - which they often do - family members react by laughing and
being more relaxed.
If you don't have a pet yet, consider making one part of your family,
but make sure you have the time and resources necessary to provide a
stable loving home for your new friend.
If you choose a dog as your new pal, remember this wise old saying. "A
dog is man's best friend." That's true in more ways than one. You'll get
unconditional love, companionship, loyalty and relaxation in return for
your investment of time and material resources.
What a bargain!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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