The therapeutic benefits of having a pet are supported by numerous studies, with over 50 scientific research papers concluding that pets have positive effects on cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and the management of various diseases.
While there are some risks associated with pet ownership, such as allergies or the potential transmission of diseases, the overall advantages of having a well-cared-for and healthy pet far outweigh these concerns.
Therefore, it is crucial to take responsibility for the proper care of our pets. This includes maintaining healthy lifestyle habits with them, providing a balanced diet tailored to each animal’s needs, and adhering to the guidelines set by a trusted veterinarian.
Here’s what science says about the benefits of having pets.
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They Help You Be Consistent and Organized
Pets, particularly dogs, naturally follow a structured routine. They have a regular schedule for eating, walking, and playing. This consistency can help us develop better organizational habits, especially in young children.
When we neglect our responsibilities toward our pets or fail to stick to their routine, they will remind us by disrupting their schedule. This routine can benefit our brains, which thrive on consistent planning, reducing anxiety and stress associated with unpredictability.
The small obligations we have toward our pets can also serve as a foundation for teaching children about organization and the importance of fulfilling responsibilities.
Reduce Mental Anxiety
Pets can help alleviate stress and anxiety while fostering social and emotional connections that positively impact our mood and mental health.
A 2012 scientific study found that interactions between humans and animals can benefit stress-related factors, including:
- Blood pressure
- Cortisol levels
- Heart rate
- Stress-related hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine)
- Aggressiveness
- Empathy
They Promote the Personal Growth of Children
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the impact of reduced social interactions on children’s behavior and personal development. Research during this period has shown that interactions with pets, especially dogs and cats, can be highly beneficial for children.
Key benefits include:
- Learning and Practicing Responsibility: Caring for a pet teaches children about responsibility.
- Empathy and Care: Having a pet fosters empathy and the ability to care for another life.
- Development of Skills: Pets help reinforce various developmental skills, including critical thinking and problem-solving through interaction and play.
- Communication Skills: Teaching pets tricks and positive behaviors provides children with opportunities to practice clear and effective communication.
- Stress Management: Interaction with pets helps children manage stress, release tension, and enjoy companionship.
- Physical Activity: Playing with pets promotes physical activity, agility, and motor skills.
Scientific studies have shown that children who grow up with pets tend to have better mood stability, emotional regulation, and overall health.
Reduce Allergy and Asthma in Healthy People and Children
While individuals sensitive to allergens may experience exacerbated health issues from having pets with fur, evidence suggests that healthy people, including children, may benefit from early exposure to pets.
Several studies have indicated that children raised in households with furry animals, such as cats or dogs, or on farms with large animals, have a reduced risk of developing allergies and asthma. This is thought to be due to gradual exposure to allergens, which may help build immunity and decrease sensitivity.
Reduces Anxiety in People with Alzheimer’s
Research has demonstrated that Alzheimer’s patients experience fewer anxious outbursts when there is a pet present in their home. Dr. Lynette Hart from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has confirmed these findings.
Stressful situations can lead to the release of harmful chemicals like cortisol and norepinephrine, which negatively impact the immune system. Interaction with pets can help reduce anxiety and provide emotional support for individuals with cognitive impairments.
Benefits Cardiovascular Health
Engaging with pets not only increases physical activity but also offers several cardiovascular benefits. Studies have linked pet ownership to:
- Decreased Blood Pressure: Lower levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- Reduced Loneliness and Anxiety: Lower feelings of loneliness and anxiety, as well as decreased PTSD symptoms.
- Increased Exercise: More opportunities for physical activity and outdoor exercise, which improve cognitive function in older adults and enhance social opportunities.
Overview:
- Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression compared to non-pet owners.
- Those with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations. For instance, a study found that adopting a dog from a shelter led to a significant drop in blood pressure within five months.
- Interaction with pets boosts serotonin and dopamine levels, promoting relaxation and calm.
- Pet owners generally have lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, key indicators of heart disease.
- Heart attack survivors with pets tend to have better survival rates than those without pets.
- Pet owners over the age of 65 visit the doctor 30% less frequently compared to those without pets.
