Pets are good for our health

Pets give us unconditional love that brings happiness into our lives. (See petalia.com.au.) Beyond this, their presence provides many health benefits—both psychological and physiological.

Pet ownership has been shown to reduce the rate of heart disease. (See sciencedaily.com.) Not only that, but individuals who suffer from heart attacks  survive longer if they’re pet owners. (See sixwise.com.)

Cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, head of the Heart and Longevity Center in Manchester, Connecticut, keeps three large dogs in his reception area, not only for this patients' well-being, but for his own, since they help to relax him during an otherwise stressful day. “I practice much better medicine when the dogs are in the office,” he says. It’s been proven that mere contact with a pet can bring down our blood pressure and reduce stress, as well the animal’s, demonstrating that this type of bonding is a two-way connection. (See health.discovery.com.)

Pets are especially comforting to the elderly. Several volunteer groups, such as UCLA’s People Animal Connection (PAC), routinely bring loving animals to nursing homes and geriatric centers.  This helps the residents in socializing, breaking down communication barriers, and reconnecting with their environment. (See sixwise.com.)

Pets are considered to be equally good for children as well as adults. Recent tests have shown that infants brought up with pets in the house are actually less prone to allergies and have stronger immune systems. (See webmd.com.)

Pets can lessen the effects of depression and loneliness, as well.  Just seeing a dog indicate its acceptance by wagging its tail, or experiencing a cat curling up close, can lighten one’s spirits and impart renewed energy to cope. An animal’s bonding behavior can "foster a sense of security." (See petsaddlife.org.)

Pet owners tend to be somewhat more active than those without pets, which is also good for health and well-being. A dog needs exercise, and a daily walk soothes its owner’s nerves, while it provides cardiac stimulation. It also tends to reduce cholesterol and promote weight loss.

Further, just concentrating on a pet’s need for affection and attention takes our minds off our own problems for awhile, and this is very beneficial to our mental state, which affects our overall health. A pet’s love can even promote self-esteem.  (See newsweek.com.)

When we feel our best, we communicate our positivity, our confidence, and our joy. In other words, our good health and well-being is transmitted to others. Everyone’s life is enhanced, and the world becomes a better place for all of us.

Enjoy this video from Youtube which shows us the incomparable power of a pet's companionship: