Owners of cats and dogs know that their pets are able to reduce stress amazingly after a busy day. However, this is not the only way to use animals for human health.
1. Combating cholesterol
Researchers from the University of Missouri found that regular walking the dog helps reduce cholesterol in the blood. Observations showed that dog owners (especially men) have a lower level of cholesterol and triglycerides, which provides them with additional protection against heart diseases.
2. Reducing Stress
Just being in the same room with your beloved pet is soothing. Scientists have shown that a therapy with cats, dogs and other animals helps the patients to get rid of post-traumatic stress disorder.
3. Reduction in blood pressure
The scientists from the University of New York at Buffalo found that the response to stress was twice less evident in the people who were taking pills for high blood pressure, if they had pets. So hurry to buy a cat or dog.
4. Physical activity
Another indisputable advantage of a dog is regular exercise. Dogs are perfect companions for walking, much more reliable than a human. Research has shown that dog owners are in much better physical shape than the people who prefer to go out with friends. On average, a dog owner spends 300 minutes a week walking with his/her dog, while people without dogs walk only 168 minutes.
5. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
The combination of a low cholesterol, normal pressure and regular exercise reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases very significantly. On the contrary, walking with the dog after a heart attack increases the patient’s survival and overall life expectance.
6. Preventing allergies in children
The children, who come in contact with animals before the age of 6 months, become the victims of allergies, asthma and respiratory infections much less often. Their immune system is strengthened due to a cat or dog.
7. Getting rid of depression
Pets provide social support to lonely people, who are suffering from depression and melancholy. In general, the psychological state of pet owners is much better compared to that of those who do not have a pet.
