The health benefit of pet is enormous
It's obvious the health benefit of taking regular walks with your pet. However, it is not commonly known that over the last thirty years, there has been increasing scientific evidence that pets can help to keep us fit and well - pets can even help speed up recovery after a major illness. Experts say owning a pet can produce improvements in general health in as little as one month. Pet owners also suffer fewer ailments, such as headaches, colds and hayfever.
Stroking a pet or simply watching a fish swim in an aquarium helps us to relax. Indeed, the mere presence of a pet seems to have the same effect, reducing heart beat rate and lowering blood pressure. Research has shown that this effect is particularly marked in people suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension). The reduction in blood pressure is equivalent to that gained by eating a low salt diet or cutting down on alcohol consumption.
Having a pet also may significantly reduce levels of cholesterol and blood triglyceride (two factors believed to influence hypertension). This, combined with the reduction in blood pressure from being with a pet, may make pet owners less prone to heart attacks than non pet-owners.
Owning a pet can teach a child about the responsibilities of life and mutual trust. By feeding and exercising their pet, children can also develop an understanding of daily care. Children who own pets are often less self centered than those who do not.
Pets can lessen the feelings of isolation and loneliness, providing a sense of purpose for older and single people.
Pets provide us with loyalty, companionship, love and
affection, as well as many physical and psychological
benefits. So the health benefit of pet is many! The
least we can do to repay this is ensure that
we keep them in the best of health.
|