7 Health Benefits of Pets

Yes, pets benefit our health – and this statement has been proven by science. Their very existence certainly makes us happier, but also prolongs life. Research confirms that pets help us in many ways, from boosting immunity to reducing stress. They can even spot illnesses using their keen sense of smell. What are the specific benefits of pets? Let’s get acquainted with some interesting facts from scientists.

Animals reduce stress and anxiety

Are you experiencing stress? Doctors may advise you to get a pet. Interaction with animals raises levels of the hormone oxytocin, which decreases levels of another stress-inducing hormone, cortisol.

Communication with animals has a particularly great impact on young children. Children who have pets experience less stress, anxiety, and social problems, which reduces the possibility of developing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adulthood.

Pets can identify our diseases

 Animals with a heightened sense of smell can detect minute changes in the human body. Dogs and cats, sensing a problem, warn their owners that their behavior around you changes dramatically. Most often, animals can feel diseases such as cancer, narcolepsy, migraine, diabetes and seizures.

Dogs are especially sensitive to diseases, identifying them with a high level of accuracy. For example, dogs have been known to sense breast cancer with 88 percent accuracy and lung cancer with 99 percent accuracy.

Communication with animals heals

Animal therapy is used in many hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and hospices. In Promises American treatment centers, specializing in drug addiction, patients are offered to communicate with pets.

There is a special program for the elderly and veterans for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder – they are trained to train service dogs, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers.

Must Read: Do dogs have a memory?

Animals help reduce blood pressure and strengthen the heart

Cardiologists confirm that dogs can lower blood pressure and improve the heart health of their owners.

In a study of people with high blood pressure, those who adopted dogs experienced a marked drop in blood pressure levels due to frequent pet contact. Studies have shown similar results for cat owners.

Pets make us more active

People who have pets have more exercise. This applies to walks and games, bathing, and cleaning. Dog owners, of course, are more active in this regard, but no one has canceled active games with cats!

According to statistics, dog owners are 54 percent more likely to complete the recommended exercise.

Animals reduce the risk of disease

Keeping a dog or cat can reduce your risk of developing diseases such as cancer, allergies, or heart disease. Scientists from the University of  California at San Francisco and Stanford University have found that pets increase immunity, protecting a person from certain forms of cancer.

Pets can also help prevent allergies. Marty Becker, American Veterinary Consultant, explains:

“Children who grew up on farms surrounded by animals do not have allergies. Animal hair is like natural immunotherapy for them.”

Pets contribute to our “social exchange”

Whether you’re sitting in the park with your dog or chatting with a store owner about the best brand of cat food, pets give you the opportunity to connect with new people.

Nadine Kaslow, professor of psychiatry at Emory University in Atlanta, says pets are helpful in combating mental health issues such as social isolation and excessive shyness.

“Even when asked about the breed of a dog or its behavior, the conversation can remain at the “dog level”, but sometimes it becomes a real social exchange,” says the professor.