Everyone wants to be healthy and happy, and for millions of people pet ownership has helped to accomplish both goals. The CDC acknowledges several health benefits of owning a pet. It can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of depression and loneliness. It can also increase your opportunities for exercise as well as afford opportunities for socialization and outdoor activities. The American Animal Hospital Association cites that heart rate and stress levels are also reduced by pet ownership. Whether you’re outside taking in the fresh air or socializing in a dog park (a/k/a bark park to us dog owners), it is as beneficial for the pet parent as it is for the pet.
A day doesn’t go by that my 9 lb. toy poodle, Champagne, doesn’t make me laugh out loud and laughter is medicine for the soul. Whether she is performing her ‘tricks’ or reacting to something new in her environment, she lifts my spirits. The American Veterinary Medical Association issued a statement supporting the health benefits of animal companionship for people. The AVMA also reported that nearly half of all American households (49.7%) consider their pets to be family members. My mother refers to Champagne as her ‘grand dog’. Any pet you have a personal connection to – dog, cat, bird, horse, ferret, rabbit, small mammal, reptile etc. – will produce the same health benefits for the pet owner. The Delta Society posts research on the benefits of pet ownership. They’ve found that Medicare patients who own dogs visit the doctor 21% less than those who do not, and that autistic children living with a pet show more positive social behavior than those who do not.
Early agricultural society maintained pets to help with the labor of the farm and found the human-animal relationships necessary for their very survival. Today, the urban population’s pet ownership trend may reflect an unsatisfied need for companionship, unconditional love, or contact with nature. Whether the animal was adopted due to function (utility dog for the disabled) or emotional bonding (family pet), does not diminish the health benefits derived by the owner. Pets have been used in society as ‘therapeutic’ animals for decades. Horseback riding – under the supervision of a physical therapist – can improve a patient’s posture, balance, mobility and function. It incorporates riding skills and gymnastic exercises to produce emotional, cognitive and sensorimotor benefits, cites the National Institutes of Health. Not to mention that it’s just plain fun!
So my best advice is to wag more, bark less and you will be healthier and happier for it!
Popularity: 4% [?]
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
