We often hear stories that claim that pets, including dogs, make people healthier and even help them live longer lives, but are they true? Is there any science to back up these claims? The answer is yes! People with pets do lead healthier lives in many ways.
According to numerous studies, pets provide a wide array of health benefits to people, ranging from lowering blood pressure to helping to fight depression.
· In a study done at the State University of New York (Buffalo), people suffering from high blood pressure were found to have their blood pressure reduced after getting a cat or dog.
· The Centers for Disease Control states that owning a pet can decrease your blood pressure, your cholesterol levels, your triglyceride levels and reduce feelings of loneliness. They also state that owning a pet can increase your opportunities for exercise and other outdoor activities as well as your opportunities for socialization.
· Research suggests that people with pets may be protected from heart disease, according to the National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets. Their rationale is that the companionship of a pet provides an owner with the kind of “psychological stability” that helps to keep people calm and steady.
· Pets have also been found to reduce stress. According to the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in the UK, pet owners have been found to be able to handle stressful situations better than non-pet owners. Even walking with your dog can make you feel better and calm you down.
· People with pets go to the doctor less often, according to the National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets.
· Pets are great at helping people fight off depression, especially for seniors. People who are depressed or lonely can greatly benefit from having a pet. Pets keep people active and they offer unconditional love. They provide feelings of security and companionship. They can often give someone an interest in life when they have lost interest in most other things.
· Exercising with your pet is a great way to get exercise yourself. Even if you simply take your dog for a walk it means that you are getting out and about. This can increase muscle tone, heart and cardiovascular fitness and improve your mood. Just a little exercise can help you keep your weight down, too, which can help you live longer.
The more things you do with your dog, the more you can improve your health. If your health permits, check out some fun activities that dogs and people can do together such as water sports (many dogs love to swim); flyball; playing frisbee; dog dancing — obedience routines set to music. There are also favorites such as obedience training, agility, rally and sports geared to your dog’s background, such as herding, hunting, tracking, earthdog activities and the like.
So, from a health point of view, it’s absolutely true that owning a pet, including a dog, can make you healthier. Take a moment to give your dog a hug and thank him for making you a healthier person.
Do you feel your dog makes you healthier? Tell us how in the comment section below.
Until next time……..
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As an owner of 2 larger dogs (Golden Retrievers) we get our daily exercise due to the fact we don’t have a fenced in yard. That means 3 good walks a day, and not to mention the in between bathroom breaks keeps me moving.
An old saying goes “if I am gaining weight, my dog isn’t getting enough exercise” is true. I rarely need an alarm clock as they keep me on schedule, and it’s an opportunity for me to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. I’ve learned that the structured leash walk is important part of dog ownership, and it makes a big difference in our dogs health and happiness!
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