Pets improve mental and physical health
Posted in Health & Wellness on July 18th, 2010 by redkathy – 2 CommentsLife has been a roller coaster of emotion these last few months. My elderly father moved in with us last month and my youngest son moved out this month. He decided to continue his studies in the UK. Yep, he left the country! Hubby and I are very happy for him and very much going to miss him these next two years. He flew out on Saturday; we had a very emotional weekend indeed.
Of course, he could not take his friend Connor so we acquired a grand-puppy. It is a good thing too because not only is Connor a symbol of our son, he has become Dad’s pal. Connor is a Beagle/Rottweiler mix, very lovable, and always wagging his tail. He trots out to greet Dad in the morning and sits by his chair when he is watching TV. The dog makes my Dad smile, says he wishes he had some of what powers that tail!
Fewer Allergies, Stronger Immunity
Children that grow up in a home with a dog or cat are less likely to develop allergies, some researchers have noted. Kids that grow up on farms have shown the same results.
A healthy mind
Pet owners socialize with other per owners. Dog owners generally stop and chat with other dog owners or when visiting a dog park, engage in lengthy conversations. More interaction equals less isolation for you and your dog.
Physical Fitness
Taking your dog for a thirty minute walk not only keeps one moving but also helps one meet the minimum requirements for healthy physical activity. Playing ball in the back yard will add to your fitness dividends. Additionally, playing with your pet is a great stress reliever.
Pets fight depression
It is well known that many therapists prescribe a pet to help deal with and overcome depression. Pets present an unconditional love and loyalty. Petting a cat or dog provides a calming effect and enhances the mood as well. There is nothing more pleasurable that a purring kitty or tail wagging pup. Caring for a pet moves ones focus from inward self. Walking, grooming, and feeding a pet helps one to feel better about they way in which their time is spent.
Good for the Heart
Two separate studies concluded that pet owners had a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease. One twenty year study showed that cat owners were 40% less likely to die of a heart attach than those who never owned a cat.
It is amazing what a pet can do for one’s life. The preceding pet information came from an article I read on WebMD. I can tell you Connor is proof positive that pets do make a difference in a person’s mental and physical health. Do you have pets? How do they help your family?
Numerous household effects make asthma worse or can cause attacks. These are known as triggers. The most common asthma triggers are allergens, infections, environmental irritants, stress, and exercise. Often times with asthma have allergies, major cause of asthma symptoms. House dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, mold, and pollen top this list of common allergens.
How much will owning a pet cost? How much time do I really need to devote to a pet? These are questions potential pet owners should ask prior to adopting. However, not everyone takes the time to assess the responsibilities and requirements associated with pet ownership, increasing the likelihood a pet will be surrendered to an animal welfare organization. Sometimes a pet is given up for hardship reasons such as displacement after a natural disaster or home foreclosure. But one of the biggest and more controllable factors affecting pet relinquishment is a lack of knowledge on the owner’s part.
