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
best cleaning company Highland Park ..Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
Many of us dream of having a beautiful, exotic bird... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More
What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More
The teaching and training of dog tricks while not a... Read More
Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass,... Read More
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
Which kind is your pet? The pooch who is the... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More
My name is Shadrach, and I am a dog -... Read More
Cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters, but that... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
For Discus fish, there are 2 consideration in tanks -... Read More
Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More
As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and... Read More
high-end home cleaning Winnetka ..So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More
Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even... Read More
There is a lot of talk going on about what... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Occasionally watching Animal Planet does have its advantage. You can... Read More
Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More
You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More
June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More
Top five dog breeds for homes with children* Beagle *... Read More
The pet food industry, a billion-dollar, unregulated operation, feeds on... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More
Your dogs health is important to you. You show her... Read More
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More
Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be... Read More
Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More
Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More
Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
More and more folks are looking to the Internet to... Read More
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More
Pet |