subject: Keeping Pets is Good For You [print this page] Keeping Pets is Good For You Keeping Pets is Good For You
There is quite a lot of evidence that supports that keeping a pet can actually be beneficial for us. Some research into the topic has revealed that owning a pet can have psychological as well as physiological benefits for pet owners. While the data isn't conclusive and more research needs to be performed, the results seem quite promising.
Some of the claims made on the physical benefits of owning a pet include:
Decreased blood pressure
Decreased cholesterol levels
Decreased triglyceride levels
Increased opportunities for exercise
Increased survival rate after a major illness
Some of the psychological benefits include:
Decreased feelings of loneliness
Decreased feelings of stress and anxiety
Increased social interaction
Increased psychological well-being
Increased feelings of empathy
Mental stimulation
Improved nurturing skills
While more research is needed on the subject, it is clear that owning a pet can have a positive impact on the majority of people. Caring and nurturing a pet can increase our nurturing skills and allow us to develop an outward focus. Walking a dog can provide much needed physical exercise and social interaction. Petting an animal has been shown to decrease blood pressure and heart rate, providing a calming effect; even watching fish in an aquarium can be beneficial.
People who own pets are less likely to suffer from feelings of loneliness and isolation; this can be beneficial in preventing depression. Pet owners often speak of their pets as providing them with "unconditional love". Animals accept you for who you are and you are less likely to experience feelings of alienation if you own a pet.
Many papers and studies have been made on the subject of increased survival rate of post-myocardial infarction patients between pet owners and non pet owners. Some pet owners have even claimed that their pets (dogs in particular), helped them discover cancers and other illnesses. Whether these claims are backed by scientific evidence needs to be further investigated, but there's no doubt that owning a pet can have a significantly positive impact on the lives of pet lovers.
Children in particular can learn a lot from owning a pet. They learn about responsibility and nurturing. Lessons of life and death are also learnt. Children develop feelings of empathy when caring for a pet and this translates into their experiences with people as they grow up.
What is undeniable is that owning and caring for a pet can be a very enriching experience. Ask any pet owner and they will tell you how owning a pet has changed their life for the better. We can learn a lot from animals, and they will continue to entertain and keep us company for generations to come.
