We all
know that we can have a love hate relationship with our pets; one minute they’re
covering your freshly cleaned carpet with muddy paw-prints and the next they’re
showering you with affection. However, there is no denying the various health
benefits to pet ownership.
Here’s
how having a pet could make you healthier:
·
Reduced
blood pressure. Research has suggested that stroking and playing with a pet
lowers blood pressure. A study of people who worked in a stressful environment revealed
that high blood pressure was lower among those who were pet owners. Of course,
you have to like animals for this to ring true as a fear of pets would be more
likely to have the opposite effect on blood pressure.
·
Recovery
from illness. It has been shown that pets have the ability to help heart
attack patients and patients who have a pet at home tend to live longer. Pets
can also serve as a loyal support system to bed-ridden owners as they provide
them with comfort and companionship and that often results in a quicker
recovery. Dogs, in particular have been known to minimise the symptoms of
diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
·
Social
enrichment. Whether it’s a dog that follows you everywhere or a cat that just
loves to be stroked, pets provide a constant stream of social interaction. Pets
can also be great ice-breakers and conversation openers when meeting new people.
·
Being
active. Having a pet that needs walking twice a day (I’m thinking more
specifically of dogs here) is a great reason to get out of the house and get
some much needed exercise. Not only will you feel better but you are helping to
improve your posture and fitness.
·
Happiness. A pet
can help us to cope with difficult situations in life such as pain and loss;
they have even been known to help people suffering from depression. Some
psychologists use pets in their therapy sessions as stroking an animal elevates
serotonin levels in the brain. The unconditional love expressed by a pet can be
a great self esteem booster and can work wonders against loneliness and isolation.
So if
you are being pestered to buy someone you love a pet this Christmas, it might
not be such a bad idea after all!
