Many health benefits have been associated with the ownership of pets including a reduction in stress and social support.
Some of the benefits identified by research are:
(a) Mood improvement
Pet owners who love their pets are have been found to be less likely to suffer from depression and other mood related disorders due to the pleasure they habitually experience when spending time with their pet.
(b) Lower blood pressure
A study done on a group of people working in the high-pressure profession of stockbroker found that those with dogs and cats have lower blood pressure and incidence of hypertension than non-pet owners.
(c) Increase in exercise
This may be partly due to the increase in exercise necessary for owners to care for pets, in particular dogs who need regular walking, as exercise has long known to be good for stress management and overall health.
(d) Social support
Pet owners often have a wider social network due to people met through walking dogs – apparently someone walking a dog is more approachable and likely to form a relationship, especially with other dog owners.
(e) Love and a cure for loneliness
Pets are a source of unconditional love and affection for their owners. You can tell them your problems without fear of gossip or judgment, and they stave off loneliness better than human friends.
(f) Reduction of stress
The above benefits all lead to an overall reduction of stress and sense of well being for pet owners. So if you don’t already have one, maybe its time consider getting a pet - but don’t forget to do your research first.
Some of the benefits identified by research are:
(a) Mood improvement
Pet owners who love their pets are have been found to be less likely to suffer from depression and other mood related disorders due to the pleasure they habitually experience when spending time with their pet.
(b) Lower blood pressure
A study done on a group of people working in the high-pressure profession of stockbroker found that those with dogs and cats have lower blood pressure and incidence of hypertension than non-pet owners.
(c) Increase in exercise
This may be partly due to the increase in exercise necessary for owners to care for pets, in particular dogs who need regular walking, as exercise has long known to be good for stress management and overall health.
(d) Social support
Pet owners often have a wider social network due to people met through walking dogs – apparently someone walking a dog is more approachable and likely to form a relationship, especially with other dog owners.
(e) Love and a cure for loneliness
Pets are a source of unconditional love and affection for their owners. You can tell them your problems without fear of gossip or judgment, and they stave off loneliness better than human friends.
(f) Reduction of stress
The above benefits all lead to an overall reduction of stress and sense of well being for pet owners. So if you don’t already have one, maybe its time consider getting a pet - but don’t forget to do your research first.