The astounding physical effects of petting (your) Animals
Adopting a pet may: how pets are scientifically proven to not only be good companions, but literally enhance onces physical state of being, thus leading to better physical, as well as mental health, and can lead to a longer life!l
Research has shown that owning a pet provides an amazing array of health benefits. We will provide a link af the end of these articles to the peer reviewed studies of Jeremy Barron, M.D., medical director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at Johns Hopkins.
Not ready for a full-time furry friend in your home? Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog, cat-sit for a friend, or donate time at a local animal shelter—even short interactions provide enough pet exposure to reap some of these rewards:
●Reduce stress.
Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol , while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that bonds mothers to babies).
In fact, an astonishing 84 percent of post-traumatic stress disorder patients paired with a service dog reported a significant reduction in symptoms, and 40 percent were able to decrease their medications, reported a recent survey.
●Lower blood pressure.
The cortisol-lowering and oxytocin-boosting benefits of petting also help keep your blood pressure at bay. “Petting and holding an animal allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature,” explains Barron. “It’s relaxing and transcendental.”
●Increase physical activity.
How many people are willing to go outside at the crack of dawn and exercise in the rain or snow? Dog owners often have no choice—they have to walk their pet, thus providing them with an excuse-proof daily dose of exercise.
●Boost heart health.
The American Heart Association released a research report endorsing dog ownership as a way of warding off cardiovascular disease .
●Ease loneliness and depression.
A 2011 study found that pet owners had better self-esteem. Another study determined that pets provided greater social support than humans in mitigating depression. “Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose to the owner,” says Barron. Plus, pets are a good social catalyst for meeting people who share your animal interests.
●Help specific health concerns.
Beyond simple companionship, dogs have long been wonderful helpers to those without sight or with mobility issues. Dogs are even being used to help detect conditions from seizures to cancer.
Here are some other Key Terms & Definitions in which contact with animals provide significant benefits:
●Cardiovascular disease:
Problems of the heart or blood vessels, often caused by atherosclerosis—the build-up of fat deposits in artery walls—and by high blood pressure, which can weaken blood vessels, encourage atherosclerosis and make arteries stiff. Heart valve disorders, heart failure and off-beat heart rhythms (called arrhythmias) are also types of cardiovascular disease.
●Cortisol:
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands on top of the kidneys and involved in the stress response. It rises in the mornings, inducing wakefulness and also rises during stress. Sleep deprivation, caffeine and alcohol can also raise cortisol levels. Chronically high levels have been linked with low immunity, weight gain and other health problems.
●Oxytocin:
In men, a hormone released from the pituitary gland that aids penile erection and ejaculation. In women, it stimulates milk production and the uterus to contract. It influences social bonding, which is why it also is sometimes referred to as a bonding or love hormone. As a medicine, oxytocin is sometimes given to pregnant women to induce or speed labor.
●Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
A disorder in which your “fight or flight,” or stress, response stays switched on, even when you have nothing to flee or battle. The disorder usually develops after an emotional or physical trauma, such as a mugging, physical abuse or a natural disaster. Symptoms include nightmares, insomnia, angry outbursts, emotional numbness, and physical and emotional tension.
●Social support:
The help you receive from others in your life. Family, friends, peers and Embracing pet ownership might appear to be an altruistic decision, but there are numerous personal benefits to consider. Research indicates that having a pet can lead to a remarkable range of health advantages, according to Dr. Jeremy Barron, medical director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at Johns Hopkins.
If you're not ready for a full-time pet, consider walking a neighbor's dog, caring for a friend's cat, or volunteering at a local animal shelter. Even brief interactions with animals can provide significant benefits.
Which Dog Provides the Most Benefits?
When looking at what we see as “regularly accepted household pets”, it is with dogs you receive the most benefits of any other pet, having said that, they also require more time and financial commitment.
Dogs cost an average of $227 per year in vet bills, and the larger the dog, the more you will have to spend on food (not to mention more time spent exercising the dog). If you have mobility issues, also keep your fall risk in mind when deciding the size and type of dog you bring into your home.
What to know before “picking your dog”.
Knowing the breed of a dog can give someone an idea of what to expect from the dog in terms of behavior, exercise needs, and grooming requirements. Additionally, some people may have preferences or biases towards certain dog breeds based on their past experiences or cultural influences.
Knowing these flagship characteristics before adopting can help you set and manage expectations for things like stubbornness and energy output. Such knowledge may also streamline the training process, translating to a happier, healthier, and safer pet-parent relationship in the long run.
Celebrate the happiness that pet ownership brings, and keep in mind that taking a few preventive steps is just a part of the wonderful adventure of sharing your life with a cherished companion.
Savor the journey, and allow your pet's love to enhance your life to the greatest extent!