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If you’ve ever shared your home with a pet, you know that an animal can bring love and companionship into your life. However, could your furry friend also protect you against heart disease and provide health benefits? Studies suggests that it might, although the protective effects depend on which type of animal you have and how you interact with your pet.
1. Cardiovascular health
This is evident in a study done where cardiovascular patients who were pet owners showed better survival rates than non-pet owners. Pet owners were shown to have fewer risk factors for heart disease. In another study, in regards to elderly hypertension patients, they were shown to have less blood pressure rise in a stressful situation and in their daily activities in the presence of a dog.
However, exotic pets pose health risks instead of benefits (spread of diseases etc.) which will be explained in detail in the issue of exotic pets.
2. More exercise
The companionship, motivation and sense of responsibility for their pet encourages owners to exercise more. Pet owners engage in more exercises like walking, a study found that people who adopted dogs showed better health after 10 months from adoption as they walked more often.
3. Stronger immunity and fewer allergies
There are some health benefits when children are exposed to animals since young. They may develop a greater immune system and prevent allergies from developing.