Pets and Your Health
Friday, December 19th, 2008It is a great feeling to be greeted with at the door with jumps of joy and wet, sloppy licks, as any dog owner knows. Pets are a great source of joy and responsibility. They have a way to lighten up spirits and bring on calmness. Recent studies have reinforced the fact that having a pet is a great way to control mild to moderate symptoms of depression as well as improve overall health.
The reasons as to why research shows that pets are good for your health are many. Some the reasons will be outlined below.
Pets help lower blood pressure. Doctors have discovered that engaging in the simple act of petting an animal helps lower blood pressure in individuals. This can be contributed to the fact that petting an animal relieves stress and brings on a feeling of calmness.
Pets can improve both the mental and physical health of people. Mental health can be improved because pets always have unconditional love for their owner. No matter what the situation, pets will be loyal to their owner. Pets also offer companionship and a sense of responsibility. Having to take care of more than oneself, pet owners have to address the needs of another being as well. This can increase the outlook for someone with depression.
Physical health is increased too as pet owners often get exercise that they might not have otherwise gotten. Taking the dog outside to get fresh air on a walk often means that the owner gets exercise too. Obese people with pets are often able to drops pounds without weight pills or a diet pill. This increased level of physical activity can even help obese people lose weight, and get better sleep at night without using sleep aids.