Why Have Pets - Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

Did you know that pets can improve both your physical and mental health? Some of you, who have pets, would readily agree that they do feel much better having pets around, than they would if they didn't have any pets. But, what do studies indicate? Does having a pet contribute significantly to better health, other than provide you the obvious pleasure of having a companion to love and care? Well, you'd be surprised at the results of some of the studies conducted on this question.

Some studies have shown that owning a dog, for example, reduces day-to-day stress significantly. That might not come as a surprise, as we do feel better generally having pets around. But, what might be surprising is the apparent heart healthy benefits of having pets. Yes, you heard that right - heart healthy benefits. Apparently, pet owners have significantly lower blood pressures than non-pet owners. Also, they've been shown to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Research has also indicated that pet owners have less cardiovascular risk factors than non-pet owners, because of the above benefits.

It seems too good to be true and one might wonder as to why there is this connection between one's health and whether one has pets or not.

Here are some reasons as to why pet owners seem to have a better quality of life and health than non-pet owners:

• Pets can make us more active than we otherwise would be. Imagine, whiling your time away just sitting on the couch watching TV. That certainly won't do your heart any good - would it? A pet, like a dog, can give you a good workout. You can get some exercise yourself walking your dog or playing with your dog. Dogs are active animals and they transfer this active lifestyle to you as well, thus benefiting you immensely.
• Pets can reduce the stressors in our lives. How often have you returned home totally stressed out and drained and how often has a dog greeted you at the door and made you forget all the problems at work. Less stress = a healthy heart and body. So, it helps to have a pet. Imagine all the stress that would add up day after day without any release - that would be the situation for non-pet owners.
• Pets provide you unconditional companionship and love, without any expectations in terms of money or other material benefits. We live in a world where people are always expecting things from us in return for love. Pets offer us that free of charge and without any malice or hidden agendas.

With all of the above benefits, it might be a good idea to consider owning a pet. Choose a pet based on your particular situation and your particular lifestyle. I've always been against having birds as pets, mostly because I see caged birds as prisoners rather than being equal companions. I love cats and dogs in particular. I think they make the best pets.

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