The Benefits of Pets
We can all see the health benefits of exercise when we walk, play a rousing game of fetch, perform DOGA (dog yoga), or work out with our dogs (see our January Newsletter for dozens of exercise ideas). But, did you know that being a pet owner can also lower your blood pressure, improve heart health, and even lessen anxiety and depression? That spells a better quality of life for both owner and pet, and possibly longer lives as well.
Physical Benefits
Studies have shown that heart attack patients who own pets survive longer than those who don’t. Male pet owners actually have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners, according to research.
In one study, conducted among stockbrokers with high blood pressure, subjects who had a cat or dog showed lower blood pressure readings during stressful situations than those without pets. Stress releases chemicals like cortisol and norepinephrine into the blood, which negatively affect the immune system. These chemicals have been linked to plaque buildup in arteries, an early indicator of heart disease.
Playing with your pet is another excellent stress reliever. Like any enjoyable activity, play can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, nerve transmitters known to have pleasurable and calming properties.
Elderly people who are able can benefit from walking a dog or caring for a pet. One Midwestern life insurance company asks clients over age 75 if they have a pet as part of their medical screening. Pets help tip the scales in their owner’s favor.
Psychological Benefits
It’s obvious that therapy dogs provide comfort to people who are confined to hospitals and nursing facilities. But did you know that pet owners are far less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets? "The benefit is especially pronounced when people are strongly attached to their pets” says researcher Judith Siegel, PhD.
Dogs not only offer unconditional love, but they may also give their owners a sense of purpose, which can be crucial for those feeling down in the dumps. Pets help combat feelings of loneliness by providing companionship, which can boost your overall mood -- even bring you feelings of joy and happiness.
Owning a dog can ease someone out of shyness and social isolation. The need to walk a dog gets the dog owner out of the house, increasing the chance of meeting other people and having essential social interactions.
Owners and pets agree: The next time you ask yourself if it’s advisable to adopt a pet, remember the answer should be “Yes!” for humans and pets, young and old alike.
Physical Benefits
Studies have shown that heart attack patients who own pets survive longer than those who don’t. Male pet owners actually have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners, according to research.
In one study, conducted among stockbrokers with high blood pressure, subjects who had a cat or dog showed lower blood pressure readings during stressful situations than those without pets. Stress releases chemicals like cortisol and norepinephrine into the blood, which negatively affect the immune system. These chemicals have been linked to plaque buildup in arteries, an early indicator of heart disease.
Playing with your pet is another excellent stress reliever. Like any enjoyable activity, play can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, nerve transmitters known to have pleasurable and calming properties.
Elderly people who are able can benefit from walking a dog or caring for a pet. One Midwestern life insurance company asks clients over age 75 if they have a pet as part of their medical screening. Pets help tip the scales in their owner’s favor.
Psychological Benefits
It’s obvious that therapy dogs provide comfort to people who are confined to hospitals and nursing facilities. But did you know that pet owners are far less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets? "The benefit is especially pronounced when people are strongly attached to their pets” says researcher Judith Siegel, PhD.
Dogs not only offer unconditional love, but they may also give their owners a sense of purpose, which can be crucial for those feeling down in the dumps. Pets help combat feelings of loneliness by providing companionship, which can boost your overall mood -- even bring you feelings of joy and happiness.
Owning a dog can ease someone out of shyness and social isolation. The need to walk a dog gets the dog owner out of the house, increasing the chance of meeting other people and having essential social interactions.
Owners and pets agree: The next time you ask yourself if it’s advisable to adopt a pet, remember the answer should be “Yes!” for humans and pets, young and old alike.