Pet owners are well aware that at some point from “just funny animals” and “those whom we have tamed” they turn into real family members. And, like family members, they affect our physical and mental health. Let’s figure out how this influence works.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Interaction with animals increases levels of the hormone oxytocin, which in turn helps lower levels of the stress-causing hormone cortisol. So, now, when stressful situations arise, doctors also recommend domesticating themselves.
Interaction with pets is particularly beneficial for toddlers. Young children living in families with pets experience significantly less stress and anxiety as well as social problems. Such communications rule out the possibility of developing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adulthood.
Strengthen the cardiovascular system and stabilize blood pressure
According to cardiac research, pet owners (mainly cats and dogs) are much less susceptible to pressure drops and heart problems. Aside from communicating and calming soothing pets, a regular stroll with them in fresh air is of great importance.
Increase physical activity
It is no secret that a person walks more than having a pet. This applies not only to walking and walking but also to bathing and cleaning animals. The most active, of course, are dog owners, but active games with cats are no less useful.
Diagnosis of human diseases
Thanks to the animal’s amazing sense of smell, you can detect slight changes in the human body. Pets, feeling such a change, change their behavior dramatically next to the owners. Most often, animals can suffer from diseases such as cancer, narcolepsy, migraine, diabetes, and seizures. Dogs are particularly susceptible to diseases, detecting them with high accuracy.
Reduce the risk of disease
It has been proven that keeping pets increases immunity, therefore, significantly reduces the risk of developing allergic diseases and heart disease. However, scientists at the Universities of California and Stanford have found that our pets protect the body from some forms of cancer. Children raised in families with pets are less likely to suffer from allergies, as they are habituated to wool and animal waste since birth.
Therapeutic effects of animals on humans
Veterinary medicine, so-called zoo or veterinary medicine, has long been used worldwide to relieve pain, improve mood, and treat disease. This includes hippotherapy (communication with horses), hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches), apitherapy (treatment with bee products), dolphin therapy, and pet therapy (treatment with pets). It is commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices. Communication with animals allows patients to recover quickly from past illnesses and to be distracted by problems.
Social relations expansion
Common interests bring people closer and unite. With the help of pets, it is very easy for a person to interact, make new acquaintances or maintain conversations. Pet owners often get to know each other and begin to communicate on the Internet, during walk-in pet shops. In this way, our “little friends” help us cope with loneliness and shame.
Walking with your dog
Walking the dogs and walking your pet can provide many health benefits. Walking with your pet and exercising will help you stay active throughout the day. It is important to remember that you need to maintain a consistent and stable level of exercise so as not to tire yourself out. When exercising with your pet, it is important to remember that you must take proper precautions to prevent injury.
Walking your dogs is one of the best ways to improve circulation and increase blood flow throughout your body. It helps your body burn calories when you run and burn excess energy. Walking your dog regularly will help maintain a healthy appetite and give you more energy to enjoy the fresh air you usually get outside.