With life's many distractions, we tend to forget the smaller pleasures. Believe it or not, your family pet may actually contribute to a more unruffled state of mind. As a constant source of comfort, a cat or dog helps balance out our complex natures. We all know that our emotional well-being is so intrinsically connected to our overall health, so it's no surprise that our animals are our best friends.
Stress-Reduced Symptoms
Much research proves that even the simple act of petting an animal, or just being in the presence of an animal (if you are an animal person!) can:
- lower blood pressure
- lower cholesterol levels
- help prevent against cardiovascular disease
- enhance mood and cause a person to feel calm and safe
Physical Effects of Owning a Pet
Dog/cat owners are less likely to have medical problems than non-dog/cat owners according to researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles. Discharged heart-attack patients who own pets are more likely to live longer, as shown in a study conducted at the City Hospital in New York City. The reduced stress, combined with a stronger will to live are direct results of owning a pet.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control include these improved health factors:
- Increased regular exercise
- Decreased triglycerides
- Reduced feelings of loneliness
- Greater exposure to social activities and interaction
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
From cancer patients to children with special needs, animals with specific characteristics help heal. Visiting with animals provides a topic of conversation, entertainment, companionship, and helps lower depression levels in patients. Officially known as Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), this growing use of therapy is designed to help improve motivation, as well as the physical, emotional, social and cognitive functioning of the patient.
Cats and dogs are not the only animals suited for AAT. Birds, elephants, dolphins, horses and rabbits, along with other small animals, prove to be helpful. Just don't think that any furry friend will do, as each animal used for therapy must possess a certain range of temperament - overall, they must be calm, friendly and tolerant to people.
As a great conversation starter, visiting with animals allows the patient a meaningful social experience within the confines of a hospital or treatment center. It's easier to meet people when you are walking a dog. Faces light up around the room when others realize their mutual admiration for the animal kingdom.
You can't put a price on owning a pet. What they give you is far beyond expectation. Animals do not care who you are, your beliefs, quirks and vices. As long as you love them, they will love you back, infinitely more. The real benefits of animal-human companionship are not just emotional or physical, but the memories of shared experiences.
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