Recent studies at UCLA have found that pet ownership corresponds to overall better health, both physical and emotional, and far fewer medical visits – as many as 21 percent fewer trips to the doctor.
Dogs
Whether we walk our dogs because they need it, or because we enjoy a walk more when we have some companionship, dog owners tend to do far more walking than non-dog owners. And, because this exercise is beneficial for stress management and overall health, owning a dog can be credited with increasing these health benefits.
Dogs have also been shown to reduce blood pressure. Studies in women undergoing stress tests, have demonstrated that the presence of a dog had more of an effect on lowering blood pressure than the presence of friends. Similarly, children who had a dog present during their physical examinations showed lower heart rate, blood pressure, and behavioral distress than when a dog was not present. Stockbrokers and other office workers who had dogs in their offices when they had to carry out stressful tasks had smaller increases in blood pressure than those who did not have a dog present.
Dog ownership even increases the odds for survival in people who have had heart attacks. In one study, only 6 percent of non-dog owners survived, versus 28 percent of people living with dogs.
Cats
Living with a cat can significantly boost the health and happiness of both seniors and people of any age who are living alone, giving them a feeling of purpose, and the knowledge that they are needed. And, cats are ideal pets for seniors, as they are relatively low-maintenance in comparison to dogs. They don’t need formal exercise like dogs do, or constant trips to the backyard, since they take care of their own exercise routines during feline play, and they confine their bathroom habits to a single small area.
Dogs and Cats
For those of us who love all animals, we also know it’s virtually impossible to stay in a bad mood or feel depressed for very long when a pair of loving dog eyes meets ours, or when a purring cat lovingly rubs up against our leg or stretches out on our lap.
Both dogs and cats are always there for us in many ways that people simply can’t be. They offer unconditional love and constant companionship, and they also enjoy silent periods with us, keep our many secrets, and are excellent listeners and snugglers.
Both dogs and cats are truly excellent antidotes to loneliness. In fact, research shows that nursing home residents report far less episodes of loneliness when visited by dogs and cats than when they just spend time there with other people.
All of these benefits to pet ownership can reduce the amount of stress people experience in response to feelings of social isolation and lack of social support from other people. Older adults often lack companionship, social connections, and opportunities for recreation during their retirement years. A loving pet can solve most of these problems.
Pets and Children
One study even found that children living with pets were far less likely to miss school due to illness than children without pets. Researchers who measured the salivary immunologobulin levels of young pet owners found that their immune functions were less likely to be in the sub-normal range than those of non-pet-owners. Additionally, cats can provide particular therapeutic benefits for children with conditions such as autism, especially those who suffer from motor coordination problems.
I’ve been extremely fortunate my entire life. Both my grandparents and my parents knew the value and benefit of having both cats and dogs in our lives, and in our households.
In fact, since early childhood, I’ve never lived any length of time without a pet of some kind in my life, even when I was in the military. And today, I still have a house filled with both extremely loving dogs and cats. All of them were rescued from the streets, or from animal shelters.
I’m heading out right now to walk my dogs; and tonight, I’ll be watching T.V., with a very loving feline or two, very happily perched on my lap. So will my spouse.
Want to feel better? Get Yourself a Pet. There are thousands of adorable, loving, health-enhancing dogs and cats waiting for you right now, at animal shelters all across this vast nation.
Georg
My Great Aunt was in a nursing home which had three resident therapy dogs. Every resident in that facility looked forward to their daily visits. They would even ride up and down the elevators all day with the seniors.
Then, new management took over, and they quickly kicked out those dogs. Every resident in that facility now looked extremely sullen when I went there to visit my aunt - as did she.
When will we ever learn.
Sadly, tho - many of the 'old-age' or Nursing homes I deliver meds to -
have now posted signs on their entrance doors - Barring pets!
Years ago, whenever my niece Bernie visited her Mom, she always took her little Shelty, Winnie - the smiles and glows from the old folks eyes were Absolute, and Definite.
Seems like 'guvmint' screws up everything they can!
Peace - Tom.