The Health Benefits of Having Pets in Your Family

According to the American Pet Products Association 2010 Industry Statistics and Trends, there are many health benefits to pet ownership. I believe that this list is just the beginning of a very long list. What other health benefits have you found from having pets in your family?

• Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
• Pets Help to Reduce Stress Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
• Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

In love & respect for all creatures,

Colleen

Comments

[Sha]

Thanks

[big dog supplier Sonia]

Good points. Is it any wonder therapy dogs are so effective?

I linked back to this post today in my best-dog-blog-posts-of-the-month list (http://ht.ly/32Eru). Thanks for sharing good information.

[Animals Away]

Pets are a great addition to a home and are truly therapeutic to young and old.

[Devremülk]

i like to read your posts. thanks for this one.

[health products]

This is good point. There are many health benefits to pet ownership.For many older people, especially those who don't work and stay at home, pets will help them decrease the feeling of lonely.

[Gutta Percha]

I love to have pets but the other people whom with I share my residence do not tolerate them and it is this reason that is why I am really deprived from having my own pet animal.
The blog really gave some good advantages of having a pet and it is really a beneficial to have some or the other pet animal in your house.
Thanks for the post and keep sharing your information.

[Pets]

Pets are the only entertaining sourse for us.http://www.vivamagonline.com/index.php I keep on sharing more interesting games to my pets. I accept your points. I think this is the blog where i can get more information about pets.

[pregnancy symptoms]

Very nice article!!!!.....

Pets are always been stress busters.They always satisfies the happiness of the master and also keeps the environment of house more cheerful and excited.

Thanks for sharing.

[Pet Insurance]

I do support all above good points. Pets really help us to heal emotionally, physically, and mentally. I work both in an office and in my home. And, I personally feel that they create a positive work environment.