Pets are an integral part of the family. The positive appreciation for them is growing every day. Beyond providing fun and companionship. They have a positive impact on physical and mental health, increasing our sense of well-being.
Living with a pet can bring greater happiness, reduce stress, lessen feelings of loneliness, motivate exercise, and improve our quality of life. But there are many more benefits that are already scientifically proven.
Studies indicate that pets can help stabilize blood pressure and cholesterol levels. As well as reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Pet owners visit doctors up to 15 percent less often than people who don’t have pets.
Surveys conducted by the University of Western Australia reveal that more than 70 percent of pet owners say they never or rarely feel lonely. And the likelihood of achieving the recommended level of physical activity per week increases.
Furthermore, owning a pet could very well be the solution to reducing the stress of modern life. Teaching our children discipline, and bringing us closer to our community.
The presence of dogs, cats, and other companion animals influences our mood by producing a sense of security and protection. It has been proven that interacting with our pets triggers the release of oxytocin. Which generates affection and feelings of trust.
Pet qualities such as loyalty, affection, and joy influence humans and foster the development of social skills. That are reflected in better interaction and coexistence with living beings.
The influence of animals, especially on children, is very positive because it encourages them to interact, assume responsibilities for their care. Also strengthens values such as solidarity and respect.
Positive feelings toward animals contribute to a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Help them establish trusting relationships with others. Contribute to the development of nonverbal communication, compassion, and empathy.
Pets become trusted “containers” for secrets and private thoughts. Children talk to them just as they do to their stuffed animals. They can also provide lessons about life: reproduction, birth, illness, accidents, death, and grief.
Dr. Jeremy Barron, medical director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in the United States. He asserts that there is a proven connection between humans and caring for animals. He points out that adopting a pet may seem like an altruistic act. But there are many selfish reasons for becoming a pet owner.
The website of this American medical institution published the following benefits associated with owning a pet.
-Reduces stress. Research has shown that simply owning a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol. Social interaction between people and their dogs increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin. The same hormone that bonds mothers with their children. In fact, 84 percent of patients with PTSD who were provided with a trained dog reported a significant reduction in their symptoms.
-Lowers blood pressure. The benefits of lower cortisol and increased oxytocin from owning a pet also help maintain healthy blood pressure.
-Increases physical activity. Many people would love to get out of the house and exercise: those who own dogs have no choice but to take them for walks. This way, animals provide a daily excuse to get their daily dose of exercise.
-Promotes heart health. The American Heart Association released research confirming that having a dog as a pet is a way to keep cardiovascular disease at bay.
-It alleviates loneliness and depression. A 2011 study found that pet owners had higher self-esteem. Another study determined that pets provided better social support than humans in alleviating depression. Caring for a pet gives the owner a sense of purpose. They are also good social catalysts. Bringing together people who share the same interest in animals.
-It helps with specific health problems. Beyond simple companionship, dogs have long been wonderful helpers for those who are blind or have some type of mobility issue. Dogs have even been used to help detect disorders ranging from seizures to cancer.
A pet is a being that gives us affection and moments of joy. A true member of the family that also protects our health. We need to care for them, show them affection. Keep them healthy, and protect them.
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
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