The Animal Alternative

Call it alternative medicine, a placebo effect, or maybe just plain coincidence. However you want to justify it, turns out, pets actually do improve your health. It may sound crazy to some. But those who own and love a pet can vouch for the feelings and sense of well being animal affection can bring.

Several studies show stroking a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate.  Johns Hopkins Researchers say, “Heart attack sufferers recover more quickly and survive longer when they have a pet at home, and children who are exposed to pets early in life may have a reduced risk of allergies and asthma."

Besides the health benefits, pets often encourage us to get out and exercise. This is especially true if you own a dog. When your animal needs to do his/her “business,” chances are you are going to take it outside, maybe even go for a walk. Getting out of the house and into nature is great for your pet, but also for you. Exercise helps reduce stress to some degree. If you are taking your dog for three 10-minute walks a day, that’s 30 minutes of cardio you can check off your list. 

Pets also provide a great emotional benefit to their owners. It has been said time after time a pet gives unconditional love. If you have a less than stellar day at work, coming home to an excited, energetic pet who greets you as you walk through the door is a pretty nice pick me up. Our attention shifts from our problems to the animal. 

Research shows people report less loneliness when they have an animal companion. Pets also have the potential to reduce depression to some degree. The same research linked to blood pressure revealed caring for a pet boost levels of the feel good mood-related brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine.

Not everyone is going to benefit from having a pet. Owning an animal brings responsibilities of its own, which if too much to handle can lead to its own stress. But, in most situations, the “pros” of pet ownership outrank the “cons.”

When looking for a pet, be sure to spend plenty of time looking for one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you choose a shelter or breeder, the animal needs to be able to adapt to your living situation, family members and daily habits. And if owning a pet proves to be all the “medicine” you need, it certainly is a worthwhile investment.