By Niki Laviolette
TERRE HAUTE — In the United States, one out of every two households owns a pet. Studies indicate your mental and physical health can be positively affected by owning a pet. Today, stress is ever present in our daily lives and animals have proven to function as buffers against this stress. A University of California study determined that people with pets are less affected by stress than people without pets. Just by petting an animal, you can reduce stress and blood pressure. Another study in Australia by Baker Medical Research Institute determined that pet owners have a significantly lower blood pressure level than people who do not have pets. Often, people with pets have better physical health and experience a reduced use of prescription drugs.
Owning a pet can also reduce hyperactivity and anxiety. A study in 1984 discovered that people watching fish in aquariums worked as well as hypnosis in reducing anxiety before surgery. Also, pet owners have a decreased risk for a heart attack. And for a person who owns a pet and has had a heart attack, their odds of survival increase from 1 in 15 to 1 in 87. Since both dog and cat owners are more prone to survive a heart attack, the reason behind it is less likely due to more exercise by dog owners.
Dr. Parminda Raina discovered in his Canadian research that elderly pet owners had lower health costs than non-pet owners and they were better able to cope with their daily activities. Often, elderly people say owning a pet gives them a reason for living. The physical contact with our pets allows us something to touch. Studies indicate the importance of touch for our physical and emotional health. Pets lift our moods and decrease the feeling of loneliness. It’s also important to feel needed and owning a pet is someone to care for.
Research conducted at the Medical College of Georgia and the Henry Ford Health System in Michigan suggests that children that are exposed to two or more cats and dogs in their first year of life have a reduced allergy risk. The study also indicated that it could lead to a better lung function in boys. Having two or more pets was linked to lower levels of immunoglobulin E, which has an affect on hypersensitivity reactions. Children who have pets tend to be more outgoing and self-reliant and less self-centered than those children without pets. A London children’s hospital allows weekly visits from pets that help children overcome depression from lengthy hospitalization and unpleasant treatments. There is a positive influence for adolescents as well. Teenagers in large cities with dogs are found to be more content with life and experience a better relationship with adults.
Family pets create a sense of closeness and well-being. They add consistency to our lives and they give us something to look forward to each day. Most pet owners consider their pets to be a part of their families. The love and affection that are shared between an owner and his pet can render you healthier and happier. Pets give you a sense of purpose, offer meaning to life, and help eliminate depression and loneliness. So, if you don’t yet own a pet, get healthy and adopt today.
Jolly
Jolly is currently at PetSmart, keeping the clan from the Terre Haute Humane Shelter on their toes. She’s full of life and wants your attention. She is the most loving (and the smartest) around. She’s plump and would like to keep you warm at night. Jolly and her friends and are hanging out at Petsmart, waiting to be adopted.
