Statistical research indicates that in the U.S. alone there are 97.3 million pets (cats and dogs combined). In other words, 65% of the American population has at least one pet in their household. If we add number of pet owners from the rest of the world…well, you get the idea. When you think about this, it’s no surprise that scientists wanted to check if owning a pet was good for our health. Not only have they discovered it’s good, but also they found having an animal is one of the keys to a longer life.
1. Pets help us deal with stress.
I have a cat, and I swear whenever I feel sad or tired, my cat comes, sits in my lap and purrs until I get better. Even though studies have shown that owning a dog is better for health, mainly because dog owners have to walk them every day, having a pet of any kind will reduce your stress. One study even found out that people who have pets visit doctors less, especially for conditions that aren’t that serious. This can be explained by the fact that laughing and petting your dear pet keeps your thoughts focused on something cheerful rather than being troubled by depressing thoughts.
2. Prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
After a 20-year study, neurologist Adnan Qureshi came to a conclusion that pet owners are less likely to die of some heart disease. People who never had any animal are 40% more likely to suffer from a heart attack or a stroke. As a pet owner, your blood pressure will probably be lower than those who don’t have any pets.
3. Pets put us in a good mood.
War veterans are often fighting with post-traumatic stress disorders. To distract them from suicidal thoughts, Walter Reed Army Medical Center started giving them pets. Feeling that they are responsible for someone, these people started living normal lives again. There are plenty examples of similar actions, since it is proven that pets combat our feelings of dissatisfaction and turn them into happiness. How many times you came very distracted from work and you felt better as soon as you saw your beloved pet?
4. Improved social contact.
Technology, in some ways, has made it harder for people to make friends in person. Since loneliness can be a possible cause of illness, social contact is very important for everyone. Having a pet not only makes us less lonely, but also helps us to meet new people. One study showed how people who are walking their dogs look more friendly. This is very important for people who are often moving from place to place – it’s easier for them to interact with new neighbours.
5. Stronger immune system.
Bacteria and allergies have become one of the common issues for pet owners. The environment is polluted, and a lack of physical activity or simple long-distance walks makes our bodies more sensitive. However, having a pet in your childhood increases immunity. Accordingly, children who were exposed to pets and dandruff or fur early are more likely to develop better resistance to most diseases.
6. Dogs can discover diabetes and cancer.
Everyone knows that dogs have an excellent sense of smell. They can be trained to find items, to help police in finding drugs etc. If you have some disease or you are afraid of getting one, having a dog can help you deal with it. Therefore, researchers tell us how dogs can predict an epileptic seizure. Not just that, they can detect the signs of low or high blood sugar for people who have diabetes. There is even some information that dogs can be trained to smell out cancer cells!
Finally, if you don’t have a pet already and you are thinking of getting one, these facts can help you decide. We suggest you going to the closest animal shelter. If you aren’t sure what animal to get, the pet will probably choose you.