Physiological benefits
There are numerous studies that emphasize on physiological benefits of petting animals on human health. Pet interaction whether active or passive tends to lower anxiety levels in subjects and thus decrease the onset, severity or progression of stress-related conditions 2, 16. Furthermore, it is thought that the reduction in blood pressure achieved through dog ownership can be equal to the reduction achieved by changing to a low salt diet or cutting down on alcohol 3, 16. Petting animals have specifically been demonstrated to provide cardiovascular benefits. Some examples include as below:
Increased survival time after myocardial infarction for dog owners 4, 16.
Decreased risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly lower systolic blood
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Other studies have documented that children which have been exposed to pets in early life will experience enhanced immune function:
Fewer allergies and less wheezing and asthma in children exposed to pets during infancy 5, 16.
Protection against adult asthma and allergies in adults at age 28 when exposed to pets before 5, 16.
Several studies also have documented that there are overall general health benefits of pet ownership and animal interaction:
Less frequent illness and less susceptibility to upper respiratory infection related to a significant increase in IgA levels occurred after petting a dog 6, 18.
Increased lung function and overall quality of life in lung transplant patients who are allowed to have a pet 7, 18.
Perceived pain significantly reduced in children undergoing major operations after participation in pet therapy programs 8, 18.
A significant reduction in minor health problems for at least 10 months after acquiring a dog 9, 18.
Fewer doctor visits per year for elderly dog owners than non-owners 9, 18.
Psychological
For as long as I can remember I have always had a dog to play with, whether it was to feed unwanted food to, play outside all day with, or to turn to for comfort when I needed it. They are there as a support system and are also always happy to see you when you come home. This
Firstly, dogs can provide you and your family with protection from dangerous situations. According to the article,Pros and Cons of Cats and Dogs,”dogs offer protection, as many will bark to alert you of danger, some will even perform “guard” duties. Dogs provide very good protection towards their families when someone tries to break in or when someone is trying to hurt you. Finally, Dogs can be watch dogs when someone is in danger just
The use of animals in the treatment of mental health has been slower than other fields of health in identifying the potential benefits of animals to mental health conditions. As this field has taken longer to recognize the potential benefits of animal assisted therapies its potential applications are less researched at this point in time (Walsh, 2009). Animal assisted therapies and their uses for military population include medical conditions and mental health applications. The uses of animals in the military throughout history have included a variety of different applications, including but not limited to, “cavalry horses, sentry dogs, carrier pigeons, and unit mascots, or unofficially as a soldier’s battle companion” (Chumley, 2012). The use of animals in animal-assisted therapy within the United States’ Military is still in its early stages.
While many pet owners claim that their pets actually do make them feel better, there are still some skeptics. However, research studies show that pets do have a very positive impact on various aspects of our health. In fact, according to “In Their Innocence and Wisdom” by Lilly Calandrello, studies have correlated pet ownership with the following health benefits: lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, better psychological health, lower heart attack rates, higher survival rates following coronary heart disease, enhanced self-esteem and social interaction. So as people take care of their companion animals, the animals are in turn taking care of their
Choosing a cat or a dog as a pet is depending on personal preference or purpose. Both animals can become a good companion in human’s life. In an essay titled “Why Cats Make Better Pets Than Dogs” Sean Curtis argues that cats are better pets than dogs because cats are low maintenance, quiet, and independent. He helps readers gain insights of a cat or a dog’s behaviors and habits, and bring awareness of their issues to a future cat or dog owner. This essay argues clearly with his points of view and successfully bring readers’ attention to dogs’ problems that a dog owner will meet and solve.
What is it about the presence of a dog or the touch of its soft fur that allows people to feel at ease and feel comfortable enough to relase their emotions? Animals, the vast majority being canines due to being domesticated and easily accessed and trained, have been used in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities, and other settings for years in order to bring about a therapeutic change (Megan A. Souter & Michelle D. Miller, 2007). Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that uses trained animal interaction as a form of treatment to ameliorate an individuals physical, emotional, and social well-being. Interacting with an animal-whether playing with it, caring for it, or simply petting it- is believed to have many positive
Pets have been apart of humans lives for centuries. Dogs have been known as a “man 's best friend” for good reason. Cats and dogs are among the most popular types of pets in the United States. *They both make great house pets, but dogs make better house pets than cats for all ages. Dogs are better for playing with, adapting to new environments, and are better protectors than cats.
Animal testing is defined as “the use of non-human animals in research and development projects, especially for purposes of determining the safety of substances such as foods or drugs” (Dictionary.com). This experimentation has been practiced since around 500 BCE, and has allowed the human race to discover many things that otherwise would have not been discovered (ProCon). The use of animal testing has increased, due to its many necessary benefits, such as: helping form vaccinations and uncovering new diseases in the specific species being tested on (AALAS). However, many animal activist groups such as, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have spoken out against the issue. These groups claim animal testing to be “inhumane”
Interacting with a pet can alleviate physical symptoms such as high blood pressure and pain management or mental benefits such as stress reduction and easing the mind. Pet therapy is deigned to the specific individuals needs and goals to exude the greatest benefits from the treatment plan. According to UCLA Health Animal-Assisted Research findings, some physical and mental goals of a pet therapy program can include; improving assisted/independent movement, increasing self-esteem, expanding verbal communication, developing social skills/interactions, and motivating the individual to exercise and join in activity groups. The benefits of accomplishing the goals listed above include, a more positive viewpoint on life, lessening depression, eliminating loneliness by providing animal companionship, decreasing anxiety, improving relationships around the person, and teaching individuals to become more empathetic and
Ciara Hebert 016214300 M/W: 3:30-4:45 p.m. Why you should have a pet: Key points/Outline: 1) Reduces stress Increases happiness a. Pet is a healthy way to vent b. Pet doesn’t judge you c. When you pet an animal it reduces your cortisol hormone, the primary stress hormone 2) Betters your health a. Decreased heart disease risk b. Reduces blood pressure c. Decrease cholesterol 3) Teaches responsibility a. Nothing can teach more responsibility than keeping another being alive b. Have to feed, groom, walk, give water, maintain a clean habitat and play with the animal Sources: 1) Forbes: “Pet Owners may have Decreased Risk for Heart Disease” Glatter, R. (2013, May 11). Pet Owners May Have Lower Risk For Heart Disease.
Persuasive Essay- Spaying and Neutering Pets Nowadays most people with pets know what spaying and neutering is, it is a term used to to describe the surgical sterilization of an animal, spaying for females and neutering for males. There is some controversy that goes with this topic . However, It is my belief that spaying or neutering your pet is the best decision for both the animal and the community. Spaying and neutering has many benefits for the animals health.
In turn, keeping your pet healthy will keep you healthy. According to the CDC, owning pets can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. According to an article written by Dr Stanley Coren, a study of almost 6,000 people, pet owners had lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels than non-pet owners. Lastly, people who have grown up in a household with pets are less likely
Owning a dog can actually have a special impact in our lives. Firstly, my dogs have changed my life in a couple of ways because at first, I didn’t care about them, all I had in mind was
Animal Experimentation: Is it Beneficial? Animal testing, otherwise known as vivisection has been around prior to the 19th century, in fact, in 1973 there was already a total of over 1,500,000 animals being experimented on. Britain was the first to stand up against animal testing, stating that it was cruel in 1876 with the Cruelty to Animals Act. America on the opposing hand, launched an animal testing boom in the first quarter of the twentieth century when cosmetic animal testing began when totals reached over 1,300,000 animals tested. The animal testing controversy has been a big one, it is no way beneficial to society nor is it humane for animals.
This relationship seems to be deepening. Many owners consider their companion animals to be a family member and there are many other benefits of pet-ownership other than the obvious companionship. Pets help maintain the health and well-being of their owners.