Benefits of Having a Pet for Your Health
Our Furry Friends
The benefits of having a pet are many. I love my big furry guy, Duke. Unfortunately, our long-time companion, Duke, went to rest in one of his favorite spots on our farm. Duke was more than our dog; he was a member of our family and a great friend and companion for over 12 years. He was my baby boy, my first dog, and a black and tan German Shepherd to boot!
Those of you who had the opportunity to meet him were first awed by his regal beauty, then his wonderful personality, and his outwardly remarkable happiness. I most certainly miss him. I found myself looking for him one Sunday morning when he wasn’t by my bedside, and realized when I got to the living room that he was gone. I was overwhelmed with sadness.
My Love for Animals
I have been an animal lover since I was a kid and have reaped the benefits of a pet most of my life. Cats, dogs, birds, and fish, I enjoy them all. Duke’s passing made me wonder, “How much do pets really affect our health and well-being?” I have always known that pets are good for your health, yet I found more evidence than I originally would have expected.
Did you know that in studies of patients with heart attacks, 94% of the people with pets were alive after one year compared to only 74% without pets. That is a huge benefit of a pet and absolutely astounding! Studies have even been done that show the mere presence of an animal, even in a picture, influences one’s perceptions. Also, have you wondered why so many dental offices have aquariums? Well, I finally figured out why. Apparently, watching fish swimming around an aquarium reduces anxiety and blood pressure, so it’s a good way to relax before your dental treatment.
Some Benefits of Having a Pet
- It decreases feelings of loneliness.
- It motivates you to participate in conversation.
- It encourages physical contact. You stroke the animal, giving you and the animal attention. Scientists say this is a much-needed form of human expression.
- It actually motivates you to exercise by taking your dog for a walk or playing with your cat.
- It can make you laugh when you think of the silly things your pet has done. Walking your dog every day is also a wonderful, healthy habit that supports physical activity, stress reduction, and emotional well-being.
- It also helps you socially. Many people find it difficult to talk to others in a social setting, and sharing stories of your pet makes it easier.
- It reduces stress and anxiety, which may support gut health, lower inflammation, and contribute to a healthier microbiome. They actually have a test to measure these stress effects.
- It is beneficial for the heart.
There is no doubt a strong connection exists between us and our furry friends. Measuring how someone feels about their pet on an individual basis could be difficult to quantify. I am sure many of you would take notice during pet therapy in your local nursing home or hospital, the calmness that takes over, and the smiles that appear on people’s faces when they see that dog come in. One thing I know for sure – people love their pets, and their pets love them. Having a loving relationship and friendship with an animal could never not be healthy! What a wonderful thing!
If you are considering natural therapies for your pet, check out our Pet Health Section.
Be Kind to All Your Friends, Especially the Furry Ones!
References and interesting reading:
https://www.pawsitiveinteraction.com/pdf/a_scientific_look.pdf
https://www.petpartners.org/document.doc?id=48
https://www.petpartners.org/page.aspx?pid=332