- Alleviates stress.
A study conducted by the State University of New York in Buffalo showed that people who were involved in stressful tasks felt less stressed when they were accompanied by their pets compared to when they were with a friend, spouse, or family member. Pets have found their way to rehabilitation facilities because it helps patients get the extra assurance that they need.
- Helps ease pain.
If you have a disease that’s often causing you pain, getting a pet could help ease it. A study from the Loyola University revealed that people who underwent surgery needed less pain medication after they were subjected to pet therapy compared to those who did not receive any. Pet therapy is also said to be the best medicine for people who have chronic pain such as arthritis or migraine.
- Can monitor blood sugar levels.
The Diabetes Forecast magazine featured a 1992 study where it was observed that pets that lived with diabetics changed behaviors when the diabetic owner experienced a drop in sugar levels. If you are at the risk, there is now a way to train dog companions so that these can monitor a person’s sugar levels.
- Improves immunity.
If you have small children at home, exposing them to pets could boost their immune system and even potentially protect them from the onset of allergies. The exposure to bacteria allows them to develop resistance against them early in life.
- Prevents stroke.
Most pet owners happen to have dogs, but felines could be better at protecting you from stroke. According to experts, people who own cats are 30% less likely to have a heart attack. Additionally, you will be 40% less likely to have a cardiovascular problem like that of a stroke.
- Helps connect with other people.
There are a lot of people who are in love with pets. Many dog owners would testify that they get to meet people at parks or the streets simply by walking their pet dogs. In short, it can lead to more social interaction.
Now, if you will be getting one, remember that having a pet comes with the understanding that you will be in a mutual relationship – it makes you healthy, but in return, you have to take care of its needs.