Health Benefits of Having a Pet

  

      So this weekend I was fortunate to have my canine niece, Gehl, staying with us.  She had me smiling all day long with the cute little things she does...like jumping with such excitement to greet you when you come home and curling up contently on your lap while sitting out on the porch.  Then as I sat playing with her in the grass, noticing how happy she made me felt, I started to wonder what impact pets have on our health and well-being.  After all...being happy is healthy right?  With a little bit of pondering and some research I found all kinds of ways our favorite little friends can benefit our minds and bodies.  So be sure to thank your pet with a special treat today!


Here's what I came up with:

• Animals have the unique ability to brighten up anyone's day.  They can make us smile and laugh almost effortlessly with their cuteness and quirky antics.

• Pets tend to have this unique sense of knowing when something is wrong.  They will kick up the charm to cheer us up or provide comfort by snuggling close by and not leaving our side.  

• Activities such as petting a dog or cat, watching fish swim, or birds fly all have a calming and relaxing effect, thereby reducing stress.

• They provide companionship and someone to talk to for those that are lonely.  The best part is pets are great at keeping secrets...so go ahead and pour your heart out!

• Socially they inspire interaction.  In fact, therapies are emerging that use animals such as dogs, cats, horses, etc. to draw socially or otherwise challenged people (especially children) out of their shells.  Animal-therapies have also been used to help victims cope with tragedies. 

• Growing up with a pet can help teach children important traits such as responsibility, loyalty, loving-kindness, plus many others.

• Pets can keep us active: not only by needing to be walked and taken care of regularly, but by wanting to run around and play as well.  Dogs especially make great work-out buddies! 

• Pets have been known to save lives by alerting their owners of danger.  For example, a dog barking to wake up a family whose house is on fire or alerting them that there may be an unwanted visitor approaching.

•  The CDC claims that having a pet can be linked with decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.  Plus having pets in the home can reduce the risk of developing allergies and asthma..how's that for healthy!? 

• And let's not forget the many service related pets out there that provide care for their owners like seeing eye dogs and seizure dogs for example.  

References:
A Woman's Health. (2014). The health benefits of pets.  Retrieved from  http://awomanshealth.com/the-health-benefits-of-pets/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Health benefits of pets.  Retrieved from  http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html

Webmd. (2012). 27 ways pets can improve your health. Retrieved from http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health

DISCLAIMER: The content on this blog, www.mind-bodypursuit.blogspot.com, represents the thoughts, ideas, and experiences of its author and should be taken as such…with a grain of salt.  It is for entertainment purposes only and not intended to prevent, diagnose, or cure.  Before trying any new physical activity, dietary plan, supplementation, complementary and alternative therapy, or other wellness tip please seek the guidance of a qualified professional.