Have you ever noticed that you feel better when you're around your pet?
It's true. Pets can be calming stress-fighters. That fluffy snuggle time lessens loneliness and reduces stress. All those smiles are doing wonderful things for your health. Here are six ways your pet is making you healthier.
Pets Are Natural Mood Enhancers
It only takes a few minutes with a dog or cat or watching fish swim to feel less anxious and less stressed. Most people can attest that. Your body actually goes through physical changes in that time that make a difference in your mood. Scientifically, the level of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered. And the production of serotonin, a chemical associated with well-being, is increased.
Pets Keep Blood Pressure in Check
Although, you still have to watch your weight and exercise, having a pet can help you handle your blood pressure. Studies have shown that pet owners had lower blood pressure and lower heart rates during rest than people who did not own a pet. Another study showed that children with hypertension lowered their blood pressure while petting their dog.
Cats And Dogs Are Good For The Heart
Research has shown the long-term benefits of owning a cat include protection for your heart. Over the 20 years of one study, people who never owned a cat were 40% more likely to die of a heart attack than those who had. Another study showed that dog owners had a considerably better survival rate one year after a heart attack. Overall, pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease, as well as heart failure.
Pets Fight Depression
Just the mere fact that they make us happy already proves this. Therapists have been known to prescribe a pet as a way of dealing with and recovering from depression. No one loves you more unconditionally than your pet. And a pet will listen to you talk for as long as you want to talk. Petting a cat or dog has a calming effect. And taking care of a pet -- walking with it, grooming it, playing with it -- takes you out of yourself and helps you feel better about the way you spend your time.
Pets Offer Better Physical Fitness
People who own dogs tend to be more physically active and less obese than people who don't. Taking your dog for a daily 30-minute walk will keep you moving and make certain that you meet the minimum recommendations for healthy physical activity.
More Interaction, Less Isolation
One key to a healthy mind is staying engaged with others. And pet owners have a tendency to want to talk with other pet owners. A dog is a conversation waiting to happen. People, especially other people with dogs, will stop and talk with you when they see you walking your pet. Visiting a dog park lets you socialize with other owners while your dog socializes with their dogs.
When you come home to a purr or wagging tail at the end of a stressful day, the sudden wave of calm you feel isn't just your imagination. There's a scientific explanation to it all. So go have some fun with your pooch or feline friend! No matter the reason, companion pets do and always will bring happiness to the lives of their human families.
It's true. Pets can be calming stress-fighters. That fluffy snuggle time lessens loneliness and reduces stress. All those smiles are doing wonderful things for your health. Here are six ways your pet is making you healthier.
Pets Are Natural Mood Enhancers
It only takes a few minutes with a dog or cat or watching fish swim to feel less anxious and less stressed. Most people can attest that. Your body actually goes through physical changes in that time that make a difference in your mood. Scientifically, the level of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered. And the production of serotonin, a chemical associated with well-being, is increased.
Pets Keep Blood Pressure in Check
Although, you still have to watch your weight and exercise, having a pet can help you handle your blood pressure. Studies have shown that pet owners had lower blood pressure and lower heart rates during rest than people who did not own a pet. Another study showed that children with hypertension lowered their blood pressure while petting their dog.
Cats And Dogs Are Good For The Heart
Research has shown the long-term benefits of owning a cat include protection for your heart. Over the 20 years of one study, people who never owned a cat were 40% more likely to die of a heart attack than those who had. Another study showed that dog owners had a considerably better survival rate one year after a heart attack. Overall, pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease, as well as heart failure.
Pets Fight Depression
Just the mere fact that they make us happy already proves this. Therapists have been known to prescribe a pet as a way of dealing with and recovering from depression. No one loves you more unconditionally than your pet. And a pet will listen to you talk for as long as you want to talk. Petting a cat or dog has a calming effect. And taking care of a pet -- walking with it, grooming it, playing with it -- takes you out of yourself and helps you feel better about the way you spend your time.
Pets Offer Better Physical Fitness
People who own dogs tend to be more physically active and less obese than people who don't. Taking your dog for a daily 30-minute walk will keep you moving and make certain that you meet the minimum recommendations for healthy physical activity.
More Interaction, Less Isolation
One key to a healthy mind is staying engaged with others. And pet owners have a tendency to want to talk with other pet owners. A dog is a conversation waiting to happen. People, especially other people with dogs, will stop and talk with you when they see you walking your pet. Visiting a dog park lets you socialize with other owners while your dog socializes with their dogs.
When you come home to a purr or wagging tail at the end of a stressful day, the sudden wave of calm you feel isn't just your imagination. There's a scientific explanation to it all. So go have some fun with your pooch or feline friend! No matter the reason, companion pets do and always will bring happiness to the lives of their human families.