Did you understand that there are key health benefits that can result from owning a pet? Having one can enhance your physical, mental and social wellbeing.

1. How may a pet help your physical health?

Owning a dog, for instance, will encourage you to get more exercise. With your faithful friend at your side, youre much more likely to go for a walk. Walking is one of the best health activities you may do. While walking youre also more likely to socially interact with your neighbors because your special pal often acts as an ice-breaker.

Research led by Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of New York at Buffalo shows that pets may help lower blood pressure. Stockbrokers with high blood pressure were studied to see what happened when they adopted a pet dog or cat. Researchers concluded that having a pet nearby helps control adds in blood pressure due to stress.

In his studies Alan Beck, ScD (Professor of Animal Ecology, Purdue University) found that the simple act of petting your dog slows your heart rate and causes your blood pressure to drop.

An added health advantage from pet ownership is that patients can live longer after heart attacks. Some doctors recommend that a heart attack survivor adopt a dog because research has shown that a faithful canine companion can help prolong an owners life.

2. How Can A Pet Improve Your Mental Health?

Sharing your life with a cat may help your mental health. A study conducted at Australias University of New England found that everybody who own feline friends might acquired skill fewer psychiatric disturbances than those without cats.

Pets might help their owners overcome depression through their companionship and unconditional love. They seem to possess the natural ability to help you relax and enjoy life more.

Pets might also help when you experience times of loneliness. English poet, Alexander Pope, has stated that histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends. According to a Chinese proverb, dogs have so many friends because they wag their tails, not their tongues.

When you take care of a pet you have to develop a routine of acquiring out, buying food and furnishing exercise. This might help fight off depression and loneliness. The simple responsiblity of pet care can help you get your mind off yourself and your problems.

3. How might a pet enhance your wellbeing in the area of relationships?

American Animal Hospital Association President, Link Wellborn, believes that pets are more than just a member of the family - theyre central to a healthy lifestyle.

Pets help lessen tension between family members and add a lot of fun and unconditional love to the homes where they live. When pets do cute and funny things - which they often do - family members react by laughing and being more relaxed.