Benefits of Pets Essay Example for Free

Benefits of Pets Essay1. Decreases stressIn a 2002 study at State University of New York at Buffalo, researchers open up that when conducting a stressful task, people experienced less stress when their dearies were with them than when a spouse, family member or close friend was nearby. Promises Treatment Centers, which specializes in addiction, not just recommends its patients remove acquiring a pet, except even allows pets in its rehabilitation facilities, according to Dr. David Sack, CEO of Promises. One of Promises core beliefs is that we need to remove obstacles that prevent people from getting help, Sack says. We are committed to making Promises a safe and reassuring homelike environment. And what could be more like home than to take your pet cooccur with you?2. Lowers cable pressureWhile some studies affirm nominate a stronger connection than others, having a pet has the potential to lower blood pressure, especially in hypertensive or high-risk patients, accordin g to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have a traverse around, your blood pressure is lower, says Marty Becker, DVM, veterinary consultant for better Morning America and author of the upcoming book, Your Dog The Owners Manual. A lot of it goes back to reducing stress You might lose your job, your house, your 401(k) but youll never lose the unconditional love of your pet.3. Eases painBelieve it or not, pets can be the best medicine, especially when a person is dealing with continuing pain such as migraines or arthritis, says Becker. Just like Valium, it reduces anxiety. The less anxiety, the less pain, he says. Some studies roughly acute pain actually found that adults who used pet therapy required 50 percent less pain medication than those who did not.4. Lowers cholesterolAccording to the CDC, another heart-healthy result of owning a pet is lower cholesterol. They lower cholesterol by about five points, says Becker. It isnt clear whether the pets pres ence decreases cholesterol, or if those who maintain a healthy lifestyle are more often pet owners. However, it is known that male pet owners, in particular, have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than nonpet owners.5. Improves moodA lot of the health benefits of owning a pet may stem from the mental and emotional benefits. People who have pets are less harried theres more laughter in their life, says Becker. When you come home, its like youre George Clooney. Youre a star. This is a primary reason pets are used in various forms of therapy. At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, theyre using dogs to help soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, says Katy Nelson, DVM, associate emergency veterinarian at the VCA Alexandria sentient being Hospital in Alexandria, Va.Theyre finding the guys who have a pet are able to re-enter society a little bit easier. Theyre showing a decreased suicide rate, one of the biggest health threats veterans face. These guys who have a pet have someone theyre responsible for, someone who cares about them. And they dont have to explain what theyve been through.6. Helps people socializeWhile it may seem a bit counterintuitive, owning a dog actually increases a persons opportunities to socialize, according to Michael Landa, CEO of natural pet food brand Nulo and founder of Los Angelesbased dog-walking service The Pet Staff. I take my dog for a two-mile walk every day, and I run into five to 10 people whom I stop and talk to, he says.Christie Keith, the online and social media editor at PetConnection.com, agrees. A 1999 Canadian study found that pet owners were more socially engaged than nonpet owners, she says. In addition, an Austrian study found that pet self-command led to an increase in social contact, more socialization within vicinitys such as neighbors chatting as they walk their dogs, and even a greater perception to observers that the neighborhood seems friendly.7. Prevents strokesAlthough dogs are often toute d for their health benefits, cat owners can see gains, too. Felines are just as beneficial to your health as dogs. If you have a cat, youre 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack, and youre 40 percent less likely to have a cardiovascular incident like a stroke, Becker says. In addition, pets can aid in the recovery of a heart attack. If you have a heart attack and you have a dog, you are eight times more likely to be alive a year later, Becker says.8. Monitors blood sugar levels for diabeticsAccording to the American Diabetes standoffs Diabetes Forecast magazine, a 1992 study found that one-third of the pets living with diabetics (mostly dogs, but other pets included cats, birds and rabbits) would change their behavior when their owners blood sugar level dropped. Most likely a reaction to chemical changes in the owners body, the behavior noted in the study has resulted in organizations like Dogs4Diabetics, which trains dogs to be companions for patients at risk of unstable b lood glucose levels.9. Prevents allergies and improves immunityBecker says pets can dramatically improve immunity and prevent allergies. A study found that children ages 5 to 7 from pet-owning households attend school three weeks more per year than those who dont have pets, he says. He also says that the more pets you have earlier in life, the fewer allergies you will develop. Kids who grow up on farms and around physicals dont have allergies, he says. That dander on that hair, thats natural immunotherapy. But he notes that this effect is not reversible Getting a pet as an adult will not minimize allergies, it only helps prevent certain allergies from developing in children.10. Helps children developChildren who grow up in a household with pets benefit in myriad ways, especially in their emotional development. When a child is attached to a dog or cat, they learn to express themselves in more ways and they learn to relate better, says Landa, who brings children to animal shelters to deliver toys and food. Pets are also hugely beneficial to children suffering from autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For children with ADHD, taking care of a pet can boost them to focus on responsibilities through a predictable routine. While the sensory experience of holding and petting an animal can be soothing for children with autism.