OWNING A PET IMPROVES YOUR HEALTH

It is well recognized that having a pet can be good for your health.  Even the simple act of returning home to a meow of welcome or a wagging tail may cheer anyone up after a demanding day at work. However, did you know that having a pet has also been shown to help prevent infections and colds?  It appears that a dog is a man's best buddy in the truest sense!

Studies conducted by University of Warwick health psychologist Dr. June McNicholas and pharmaceutical company Novartis Animal Health reveal that kids who have pets grow up with better immune systems and attend school more often than kids without pets.

138 kids between the ages of four and eleven had their saliva tested for immunoglobulin (IgA) antibodies, which are produced by the immune system and aid in the defense against illness. The findings demonstrated that children with pets had greater IgA levels and were better able to fight off illnesses like the flu and colds than children without dogs. "Our study shows that we can get too 'hung up' on hygiene and immaculate homes," Dr. McNicholas stated. This may stop the immune systems of our kids from developing a protective shield against typical household allergens like dust, grime, and animal dander.

Whether or if keeping a pet can assist guard against allergies like asthma is one health advantage about which doctors aren't sure. Researchers at Berlin's Humboldt University assert that youngsters from overly clean households are far more prone to experience allergic reactions. Research involving 1,300 German kids revealed that eczema and asthma were more common in those with affluent socioeconomic backgrounds and indulgent lifestyles. But according to Muriel Simmons, chief executive of the British Allergy Foundation, kids who aren't exposed to the kinds of microorganisms that come with having a pet are more likely to become allergic to things. It's intriguing to note that kids who have a history of pet allergies are 24 times more likely to have asthma.

Being healthy is one of the more obvious health benefits, especially for dog owners. Dogs require daily walks, and studies indicate that even 20 minutes of walking three times a day can significantly improve your fitness and general health. Walking can increase heart rate from about 80 to 140 beats per minute. This increases blood flow to the heart muscle and, as a result, supports the maintenance of a healthy heart and lungs. Even yoga classes for dog owners are available these days. Getting outside in the fresh air is also a fantastic method to lift your spirits and clear your mind, leaving you feeling optimistic, energized, and prepared to take on anything.

Having a pet naturally elevates your mood and reduces stress. Whether it's petting a cat gently or just sitting and watching fish float around a tank, these activities all assist us to unwind, find some peace, and enjoy some alone time. Our bodies go through a great deal of physical transformation at this time. Serotonin synthesis, a neurotransmitter linked to happiness, is enhanced while cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, is decreased.

Having a pet has also been recommended by therapists as a means of coping with and getting over depression. The act of petting and bonding with a pet is therapeutic and calming.  Animals won't interrupt you or respond, they will just listen to your concerns. Furthermore, a pet's unconditional love for its owner is deeply comforting and contributes to a person's increased sense of self-worth and confidence.

Because petting an animal can have a relaxing effect on stress levels, it can also assist maintain or, in certain cases, lower blood pressure. Researchers found that people with pets had lower resting heart rates and blood pressure than people without pets, based on a study involving 240 married couples.

As you can see, having a pet has numerous advantages, but you should also think about whether you have the time, resources, and way of life to care for a pet.  While it's great to have a pet for health reasons, this should never be the primary motivation or come at the expense of the animal.