Living with pets is very beneficial for humans, and this has long been confirmed by scientific facts. Coexistence with pets is sure to brighten, saturate and prolong our lives. But medical research also confirms the specific effects of pets on our health.
Let's focus on the most basic facts about the benefits of spending time with pets:
Reducing stress and anxiety levels
Intercourse with animals raises levels of the hormone oxytocin, which in turn helps reduce levels of the stress-inducing hormone cortisol. This is why medics are now even recommending getting a pet for stressful conditions.
Interaction with pets is especially beneficial for babies. Young children who live in families where there are animals experience significantly less stress and anxiety, as well as social problems. Such companionship negates the likelihood of developing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders as adults.
Strengthening the cardiovascular system and stabilizing blood pressure
According to cardiology studies, pet owners (mostly cats and dogs) are significantly less likely to suffer from blood pressure fluctuations and heart problems. In addition to comforting pets with companionship and petting, regular walks with them outdoors are also very important.
Increased physical activity
It's no secret that having a pet makes a person move more. This applies not only to walking and walking, but also to bathing and cleaning up after the animals. The most active, of course, are dog owners, but active play with cats is just as useful.
Diagnosis of human diseases
Thanks to the amazing animal sense of smell, it is possible to determine the slightest changes in the human body. Pets, smelling such changes, dramatically change their behavior around their owners. Most often, animals can sense diseases such as cancer, narcolepsy, migraine, diabetes and seizures. Dogs are particularly sensitive to diseases, detecting them with a high level of accuracy.
Reduced risk of disease
Keeping pets has been proven to boost immunity, so the risk of allergies and heart disease is significantly reduced. However, scientists at the University of California and Stanford University have found that our pets also protect the body from some forms of cancer. Children who grow up in families with pets are much less likely to have allergies because they are accustomed to the fur and waste products of animals from birth.
Healing effects of animals on humans
Animal therapy, the so-called zoo- or animal therapy, has long been used around the world to alleviate pain, improve mood, and get rid of illnesses. It includes hippotherapy (communication with horses), hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches), apitherapy (treatment with bee products), dolphin therapy and pet therapy (treatment with pets). It is most often used in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices. Communicating with animals allows patients to recover more quickly from their illnesses and distract themselves from their problems.
Expanding social connections
Shared interests bring people together and bring people together. With the help of pets, it is much easier for a person to talk, make new acquaintances, or maintain a conversation. Pet owners often get to know each other and start talking during walks, in pet stores and on the Internet. After all, they always have something to discuss and something to talk about. In this way, our "little friends" help us cope with loneliness and get rid of shyness.
If you still don't have a pet, you might be thinking about it now!
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