As most pet owners know, interacting with a pet is one of the greatest joys in life. The love we have for our pets and the love they have for us create a relationship like no other. But did you know that owning a pet can improve your health? You may be surprised by some of the remarkable health benefits of owning pets.

Physical Benefits

Recently, there have been several studies pointing to the physical benefits of owning a pet. According to Medical News Today, owning a pet can reduce the risk of a heart attack by a third by lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, Country Living cites a study that shows interacting with a pet daily reduces cortisol levels, which lowers blood pressure by as much as 10%. Need more proof? An article published by the BrightFocus Foundation cited numerous studies showing the positive effects of pets for people who have Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Emotional Well Being

It’s been long known that pets bring enormous happiness into the lives of their owners. Recently, scientists have begun to take a closer look at how the emotional well-being pets provide affects pet owners. A recent study highlighted by Medical News Today demonstrates that our oxytocin levels – the hormone that’s responsible for feelings of social connection – rise dramatically among pet owners, leading to feelings of happiness.  Scientists also discovered that serotonin releases when people spend time with their animal friends. The study also noted that people who own pets are more trusting and feel less lonely. Not surprisingly, pets offer a level of unconditional support that is recognized within the mental health community as being beneficial to people who live alone and those who have PTSD.

Kids

Like adults, children who have pets benefit physically and emotionally. Children who aren’t allergic to pets have been shown to have better developed immune systems. Kids who own pets that need walking and play get more exercise than kids who don’t have a pet. What’s more, kids who grow up with pets develop verbal skills at a faster rate. Pets also provide a boost for children with special needs. The National Institute of Health found that kids with diabetes who care for a pet develop better discipline when it comes to monitoring and managing blood glucose levels. Recent findings also show that children with ADHD who have pets behave better and display better social skills.

When you consider all the health benefits our animal friends give to us, it’s only natural to want the very best in health care for them. That’s why it’s essential to find a compassionate veterinarian who understands the special relationship between you and your cherished companion.

Our purpose here at Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital is to provide the same caring, high-quality care for your pet as we give to our own. If you want to find out more about the health benefits of owning pets, or if you have added a new pet to your life and would like to schedule a check-up, we invite you to stop by or contact us at 423-378-4443. We’re here to ensure that your pet receives the highest quality of care.