Surprising Health Benefits for Pet Owners

Did you know that there are key health benefits that can

result from owning a pet? Having one can enhance your

physical, mental and social wellbeing.

1. How can a pet help your physical health?

Owning a dog, for instance, will encourage you to get more

exercise. With your faithful friend at your side, you're

much more likely to go for a walk. Walking is one of the

best health activities you can do. While walking you're

also more likely to socially interact with your neighbors

because your special pal often acts as an ice-breaker.

Research led by Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of

New York at Buffalo shows that pets can help lower blood

pressure. Stockbrokers with high blood pressure were

studied to see what happened when they adopted a pet dog or

cat. Researchers concluded that having a pet nearby helps

control increases in blood pressure due to stress.

In his studies Alan Beck, ScD (Professor of Animal Ecology,

Purdue University) found that the simple act of petting

your dog slows your heart rate and causes your blood

pressure to drop.

An added health advantage from pet ownership is that

patients may live longer after heart attacks. Some doctors

recommend that a heart attack survivor adopt a dog because

research has shown that a faithful canine companion can

help prolong an owner's life.

2. How Can A Pet Improve Your Mental Health?

Sharing your life with a cat may help your mental health. A

study conducted at Australia's University of New England

found that people who own feline friends may experience

fewer psychiatric disturbances than those without cats.

Pets can help their owners overcome depression through

their companionship and unconditional love. They seem to

possess the natural ability to help you relax and enjoy

life more.

Pets can also help when you experience times of loneliness.

English poet, Alexander Pope, has stated that histories are

more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of

friends. According to a Chinese proverb, dogs have so many

friends because they wag their tails, not their tongues.

When you take care of a pet you have to develop a routine

of getting out, buying food and providing exercise. This

can help fight off depression and loneliness. The simple

responsibility of pet care can help you get your mind off

yourself and your problems.

3. How can a pet enhance your wellbeing in the area of

relationships?

American Animal Hospital Association President, Link

Wellborn, believes that pets are more than just a member of

the family - they're central to a healthy lifestyle.

Pets help lessen tension between family members and add a

lot of fun and unconditional love to the homes where they

live. When pets do cute and funny things - which they often

do - family members react by laughing and being more

relaxed.

If you don't have a pet yet, consider making one part of

your family, but make sure you have the time and resources

necessary to provide a stable loving home for your new

friend.

If you choose a dog as your new pal, remember this wise old

saying. "A dog is man's best friend." That's true in more

ways than one. You'll get unconditional love,

companionship, loyalty and relaxation in return for your

investment of time and material resources.

What a bargain!

Patricia Wagner offers informative tips and a f^ree newsletter to help you live a more more energetic lifestyle. Check out http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com. She is also an artist and you can view her original paintings at http://www.artbywagner.com