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
cheapest limo Akin .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareOpening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More
The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More
Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of... Read More
Many of us dream of having a beautiful, exotic bird... Read More
Flea control can be a very hard thing to do... Read More
While your friends and family are amazed that you're raising... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More
Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More
In a recent discussion about pet safety, the services provided... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
Having a pet is an experiance that I think everyone... Read More
Which parrot is right for me? This is a question... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More
Aledo wedding limo ..Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs.... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
DogtraWhen looking for a dog training collar or containment system,... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More
Let's face it ? Fido and Fluffy are an important... Read More
Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
Pet |