Woof woof! Meow! Tweet tweet! Do these sounds make you feel happy, comfortable and good inside? Dogs, cats, horses and other animal species can be not only our best friends, but they can also benefit us emotionally, psychologically and physically. For years, the medical community has reported tremendous health benefits brought to us by animals and that can also hold true even if they are not in our own family.
Perhaps one of the most studied and obvious health benefit pets provide is cardiovascular improvement. Certainly, Fido needs regular walks, runs and playtime. An added benefit to this physical activity is that pets tend also to make us walk faster, for longer periods of time and they help to keep the physical exercise on a regular schedule. Think of a dog as a personal trainer!
Concerning heart-health, one NIH News in Health-funded study even found that of 421 heart-attack suffering patients examined, those with pets had a more significant chance of being alive one year later, as opposed to patients without pets. The results of this study showed that this benefit remained true regardless of the severity of the heart attack.1 Pets have also been noted to drop blood pressure, which is an another benefit for the heart.
Other benefits stemming from pets, according to The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are reported decreases in cholesterol levels and feelings of lonliness.2 Pet ownership is an ideal and instant icebreaker because they can easily help a person start up a conversation. Everyone loves to pet a dog or play with cat-what better way to start a friendly chat with someone and the four-legged friend can help do the talking.
Other benefits stemming from pets, according to The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are reported decreases in cholesterol levels and feelings of lonliness.2 Pet ownership is an ideal and instant icebreaker because they can easily help a person start up a conversation. Everyone loves to pet a dog or play with cat-what better way to start a friendly chat with someone and the four-legged friend can help do the talking.
Although some people definitely suffer from pet dander allergies, there is research indicating that growing up around pets can even help curb allergies. A pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. James E. Gern, has done studies showing up to a 33 percent decrease in developing allergies when pets are present in a home. Children who are exposed to animals early in development also tend to develop stronger overall immune systems. While this won’t help adults already struggling with allergies, it can be great news for families without an existing allergy problem.
Winston Churchill once said, ”There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” Based on research, no more true words have been spoken. So go get the saddle, Frisbee, ball or better yet some running shoes and get much needed exercise with your newest and best personal trainer!
Smart Life Lessons From Animals 
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Check out my latest blog: HAVE A PET – STAY HEALTHY!
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