Most of us can agree that having a pet around is something pretty amazing. Having grown up allergic to cats and dogs, I was pretty excited as a teenager when we got our first dog, a small black poodle. It was a new experience to actually have a small furry animal underfoot and cuddling up beside you. Eventually, I was fortunate to outgrow my allergies and have enjoyed dogs and cats in my life for the past 30 years.
Animals are assets in our lives and play an important role, not only in the companionship that they provide, but they can also be a benefit health wise.
With the Holiday stress just around the corner and the long winter days that will stretch into the next four or five months, here are some benefits of having pets in our lives.
- Decreases Stress: In a 2002 study at State University of New York at Buffalo, researchers found that when conducting a stressful task, people experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a spouse, family member or close friend was nearby.
- Lowers Blood Pressure: While some studies have found a stronger connection than others, having a pet has the potential to lower blood pressure, especially in hypertensive or high-risk patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Eases Pain: Believe it or not, pets can be the best medicine, especially when a person is dealing with chronic pain such as migraines or arthritis. Pets tend to reduce anxiety. The less anxiety you have, the less pain.
- Lowers Cholesterol: According to the CDC, another heart-healthy result of owning a pet is lower cholesterol. People who own pets–and men, in particular–have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those who don’t have pets.
- Improves Mood: A lot of the health benefits of owning a pet may stem from the mental and emotional benefits. People who have pets are less harried; there’s more laughter in their life.
- Helps People Socialize: A 1999 Canadian study found that pet owners were more ‘socially engaged’ than non–pet owners. In addition, an Austrian study found that pet ownership led to an increase in social contact.
- Helps Prevent Heart Attack & Stroke: If you have a cat, you’re 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack, and you’re 40 percent less likely to have a cardiovascular incident like a stroke. Pets can aid in recovery – if you have a heart attack and you have a dog, you are more likely to be alive a year later
- Monitor Blood Sugar Levels for Diabetics: A 1992 study found that one-third of the pets living with diabetics (mostly dogs, but other pets included cats, birds and rabbits) would change their behavior when their owner’s blood sugar level dropped.
- Prevents Allergies/Improves Immunity: Pets can dramatically improve immunity and prevent allergies. A study found that children ages 5 to 7 from pet-owning households attend school three weeks more per year than those who don’t have pets.
- Helps Children Develop: Children who grow up in a household with pets benefit in myriad ways, especially in their emotional development. When a child is attached to a dog or cat, they learn to express themselves in more ways and they learn to relate better.
Why not consider reducing your stress and improving your mood by stopping by the Central Aroostook Humane Society and finding a new pet that is just right for your family? Our hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch from 12 to 12:30.
Always remember to be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” ― Martin Buber
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
