Owning a Pet May Improve Your Health and Help You Live Longer!
by Lorrie Davids(428)
You love your pet, right? They are your favorite non-human companion. They hike with you, curl up on your feet and keep them warm, protect you and your family and may help you live a long life. Did you catch that last part? Research from many different sources is producing statistics showing the companionship of a pet will keep you healthier and provide you a longer life than your non-pet friends.
If you live in the US, you chances are good your family owns a pet. In fact, it is estimated that over half of US households contain pets. That daily interaction or feeding, brushing, petting, walking and talking with your pet does a whole lot more than guarantee loyalty from your dog, cat, rat or whatever your pet of choice. According to WebMD living with a pet can lower blood pressure and stress levels. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) states owning a pet can decrease your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Kids that grow up in a pet inhabited home are less likely to develop allergies to animals. The risk of asthma is also reduced. In a WebMD report, according to Dr. James E. Gern of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an animal in the home reduced evidence of pet allergies, lessened the chance of eczema and strengthened the immune systems in babies tested immediately after birth then one year later.
The Boston Globe tells of a study which showed cat owners less likely to die from a heart attack than their non-cat counterparts.
Why do pet owners live healthier and longer lives?
First, there is that need to be needed. Pet owners know their pets need them to meet their needs. Especially with elderly pet owners, this is a good reason to get up in the morning. That will to live can be stronger in someone who knows their beloved pet is waiting for them.
Exercise. Most dogs require exercise everyday. So, we grab the leash and Fido and head out the door for a run or at least a good long walk.
Socialization. Even taking your pet to the vet brings interaction to the most introverted among us. Knowing the pet needs a doc visit or desires to be out and about allows its human to meet and interact with others. Talking about kids and pets are two of the most popular topics around the water cooler. Give a listen to your coworkers. It doesn't take long before the topic of pets arises.
Service animals. Dogs and now, even monkeys are used as service animals to do what a handicapped person cannot do for himself. Animals are trained to smell seizures, cancers and even dial 911 before moving their person out of harms way.
The pet's health. Some studies suggest that smokers are more likely to stop smoking if they believe their second hand smoke will negatively impact their pet's health. It can add years to a life when a person stops smoking. The person and those in the household become healthier and smell better!
Love life. Getting a cute little puppy and going for a walk has been known to get the owner a date for Friday night! Surely you have seen the movie "Marley and Me".
There are so many ways our pets enrich our lives. If you know of more, please comment below.
Article submitted Tuesday, September 15, 2009 & read 373 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Marijo Phelps(18) (353 days 23 hours ago.)
Love the read - couldn't help but think about our "hikers" one of our felines goes outside on a leash - the rest chew toes and purr and butt and rub - so if we have four does that mean we will live 4 times longer. With a couple we have (the one who now jumps right into the refrig when it is opened) are taking weeks off my life daily - maybe it is time for a canine? GRIN.... Thanks, Lorrie! MarijoRespond to this comment
