Most of us adopt pets to just satisfy our hobbies. In fact, the most common answer one can expect to hear if someone is asked why he has adopted a particular type of pet is ‘I just love it’. It doesn’t matter what the type of pet is – it can be a dog, cat, horse or even birds. But very few do know that having a pet goes a long way in maintaining a healthy physical and mental life.
There are many health benefits of having a pet as extensive research on the subject for the last few decade have shown. Pets contribute a lot to help individuals lead a proper healthy life.
In most cases as far as the urban populace is concerned, people opt to keep dogs, cats and birds as pets. Very rarely do we come across a home which has a tiger, lion or a snake as pet (there are exceptions though). But their influence on the human life is tremendous. Pets are the perfect stress busters and helps in relaxing both the body and the mind. It must be stated here that more we understand the human-animal bond the better it will be for people’s lives.
Dogs are the most common form of pets in the lives of human beings. A research study in 2006 in China showed that dog-owners reported fewer sick days at work and did more exercise than non-dog owners. Now a person indulging in more physical activities will certainly have better heart rate than a non-physical person. Similarly another study conducted in Germany a few years back proved that toddlers with dogs and cats in their homes are less prone to allergy attacks.
It has been proved though many research papers that companion animals help in keeping a healthy heart as it lowers blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels. In 2012 researchers in Germany measured that people with dogs and cats had better heart rates than those without pets after performing a stressful time-related job.
Some other scientists have also proved that both dogs and cats have this uncanny ability to perform and help in human functions. So naturally they become a huge aid for the old and the disabled. In one study conducted in England, old persons who possessed a dog or cat were able to perform better certain physical activities deemed ‘activities of daily living’, like the ability to climb stairs; bend, kneel, or stoop; take medication; prepare meals; and bathe and dress oneself.
Birds are also great companions, the main reason being that most of them have a long life-span, sometimes more than human beings. Hence one will not have to go through the grief of losing a pet as may happen in the case of a dog or cat. Birds also bring about a cheerful disposition in people; it keeps human being happy by its constant chattering.
Researchers have also proved that having a bird as pet helps in increasing social interaction which is good for one’s mental health condition. A parrot for instance can easily bring a smile to your face when you return from a hard day’s work at office by just saying ‘hello mate, how are you’. This instant relaxation goes a long way in improving the mental well-being of human beings.
Studies have also shown that children without any brothers and sisters but with a pet develop greater empathy and are more social than those without pets. Also it teaches the child to bond better, the constant interaction between the two helps in developing a feeling of camaraderie. Researchers have also proved that a child out without a pet tends to be more self-centred and selfish than one with any form of pet.
The bottom line is that it helps in having a pet – both mentally and physically. So what are you waiting for… get one today.
PNN