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The Hidden Benefits of Pets
Pets have far more to offer than a wagging tail or a warm lap. Studies are finding pets can contribute to a person's physical and emotional well-being from childhood to one's senior years. The Delta Society, in particular, is an organization dedicated to promoting researchers from around the world whose findings support the positive effects of caring for animals.
Children who are raised in homes with pets are found to exhibit increased social behavior, including more participation in hobbies, sports and other extra-curricular activities. Children with pets are also found to have higher self-esteem and typically become more nurturing as adults. Finally, for you cat lovers, children with a cat tend to be more self-reliant.
Researchers believe that taking part in caring for a pet gives a child an opportunity to take an active role in the family and receive positive reinforcement for their efforts. Nurturing and empathy skills are also developed while caring for a pet as a child learns to recognize the feelings and needs of a pet.
Two recent studies have suggested that pets in the home during the first year of an infants life result in decreased incidents of allergies and asthma later in life. Exposure to a pet can strengthen the immune system while it is developing, resulting in an increased ability to respond to stresses to the body later in life.
Adults with pets tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and fewer incidents of minor health problems. Studies on pets ownership and stress levels have shown simply petting a dog or cat can lower physical indicators of stress. While most studies have focused on pets and their owners, one study suggested it was beneficial to pet an animal a person had not previously encountered. A justifiable reason to volunteer at your local animal shelter?
Seniors with pets have fewer doctor visits compared to seniors without pets. They also tend to report feeling better able to cope with the stress and changes in their life when they have a companion animal in their life. Daily activity levels also deteriorate slower on average if a senior has a pet to care for.
Feelings of loneliness and isolation affect people of all ages in modern society resulting in a number of health problems. These feelings can lead to stress, triggering physical responses which can lead to stress related maladies including cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders and auto-immune diseases. Researchers looking into loneliness have found that a companion animal can help alleviate much of this stress. The feeling among researchers is that pets fulfill a person's basic need for touch and communication.
These findings probably come as no surprise to anyone who loves their pets. Dogs, cats, horses, birds, etc., all have as unique of personality as anyone of us. Those who take the time to recognize this find their lives enriched in many ways. Our furry and feathered friends require us to slow down to appreciate their unique qualities. We are forced to observe them to understand their needs and feelings. Perhaps what pets teach us is that to reach out and care for another rewards us with better health and an enriched life.
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Robbins Pet Care. All Rights Reserved. The products sold by Robbins Pet Care are not intended to be the sole source of treatment or to take the place of expert veterinarian care. Please consult with your veterinarian and ask about using a natural and alternative approach for the treatment of your pet.
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