Turns out pets are worth more than a bodyguard at night or a running buddy in the morning. In fact, studies show that pets of all kinds are beneficial for a healthy soul and a healthy body. “We found that pet owners, on average, were better off than non-owners, especially when they have a higher-quality relationship with their pets,” said pet researcher Allen R. McConnell. Here are some explanations that may be something to bark about.
Help The Heart
Keeping a pet free from heart disease is important, but they can actually do the same for their owners. Dog owners are less likely to develop heart disease because they are required to be more active, and as a result, they have a lower blood pressure. Maybe that dreaded, nightly walk outside isn’t such a pain after all.
Relieve Stress
The pet bills may cause a little stress, but don’t fret it – it’s all coming back to boost that daily dose of happiness. Studies have found that people who adopted a dog or a cat showed a lower blood pressure when put in a stressful situation. According to the Austin Humane Society, giving that fur ball a few minutes out of a busy schedule will increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, increasing cheerfulness and decreasing the chance for illness.
Reduce ADHD And Aid Autism
Having a kid (or an adult) with ADHD is exhausting to say the least. The good news is that a pet is a good way to burn away the surplus of energy that lingers and causes exhaustion. Learning the responsibility of a pet will also help someone with ADHD concentrate and gain self-esteem. Kids with autism tend to function more appropriately and relate to others more directly when pets are around, according to Alan Beck, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University.
Cut Calories
When dieting just isn’t in the plan to shave off the weight, try investing in a pet. The Journal of Physical Activity & Health stated that dog owners were 54 percent more likely to complete the suggested levels of exercise on a daily basis. So cut the dog some slack, he or she has scored you a batch of brownies – free of calories!
Alleviate Allergies
Bless you! That’s what needs to be said to all the pets in the world, as they have helped reduce allergies in children. A study in Clinical & Experimental Allergy found that children who were exposed to pets prior to the six-month mark had a smaller chance of developing allergies or eczema later in life. Time to say goodbye to those boxes of Kleenexes.
