Health Advantages of Having a Pet

Have you ever considered the “healthy” advantages of owning a pet? Physically, psychologically and emotionally, if you own a pet, you have experienced at least one of these states. Our bodies are constantly responding to stimuli created by ourselves and the environment around us. There are scientific theories that we use one another’s energy in order to maintain a specific state of mind. Albert Einstein once stated that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred. The conservation of energy, as it is called, is a common feature in many physical theories. The total amount of energy in an isolated system remains constant, although it may change forms.

So where does my pet come into play? Whether you own a dog or cat, a mouse or snake, your pet is your best friend. The closeness one shares with his or her pet is unique and special. More and more families are taking in pets, either adopting or going to their local pet store to pick one out. Emotionally, it is exciting to own a pet. Pets bring families together by adding a feeling of “togetherness”. Pets bring the sick, healthy again by adding a feeling of “inspiration”. Pets bring the depressed a feeling of “hope” and “need”. Pets will make your life a better one by adding the extra something that was missing or voided.

When choosing your pet, talk to your family members first. Making a list of all the pro’s and con’s of that particular choice in pet is very important. Remember, that emotionally, physically and psychologically, you want to agree on how the family will react as a whole. There should be no negative energy and no regrets. Many times, families will have a pet for awhile, and find that the family is not compatible with the pet. This is unfair to the pet because normally we obtain pets in their infancy state. Emotionally, this could destroy a pet, as it would do a human being. Now if the pet isn’t compatible with the family (i.e. the dog bites your toddler) then you would have a good reason to give the pet away.

The following facts were taken from Holistic Online and reported by the Delta Society:
- Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners.
- Companionship of pets (particularly dogs) helps children in families adjust better to the serious illness and death of a parent.
- Pet owners feel less afraid of being a victim of crime when walking with a dog or sharing a residence with a dog.
- Pet owners have fewer minor health problems.
- Pet owners have better psychological well-being.
- Contact with pets develops nurturing behavior in children who may grow to be more nurturing adults.
- Pet owners have better physical health due to exercise with their pets.
- Having a pet may decrease heart attack mortality by 3%. This translates into 30,000 lives saved annually.
- Positive self-esteem of children is enhanced by owning a pet.
- Children owning pets are more involved in activities such as sports, hobbies, clubs or chores.
So if you are in a relationship and are trying to persuade your other half to get a pet or if you are a kid trying to persuade your parents, the above scientific discoveries are sure to get you what you want. Just remember, take care of your pets.