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!
Patricia Wagner offers informative tips and a f^ree newsletter to help you live a more more energetic lifestyle. Check out http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com. She is also an artist and you can view her original paintings at http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com
quick home cleaning Glenview ..Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More
Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More
Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at... Read More
A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More
Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
Advice!!!-Pet products that are useful, fun and enjoyable will make... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More
Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More
It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
Now that my services have expanded into the "matchmaking" business,... Read More
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
scheduled maid service Winnetka ..I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More
More and more folks are looking to the Internet to... Read More
My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More
Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More
Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
In compiling some information on achieving a proper fit to... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
For some 25 years I have alerted the public to... Read More
Understanding where horses come from has been a long road... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More
The most common dog problems:Dog Owner's commonly ask me the... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is... Read More
We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
Pet |