Pet-i-Cure: The Health Benefits of Owning Pets

Today's Healthy Outlook with Jennifer Foss, R.N.

A few years ago, I read an article about a woman who was in a coma. Nothing the doctors did changed her condition. Finally, the woman's daughter smuggled her mother's beloved cat into the hospital room. As the cat lay on the bed and began purring, the woman began to rouse from her coma.

Although extremely unusual, this anecdote illustrates the benefit humans derive from their pets. Studies have shown that the bonds people form with their pets can serve to improve certain health conditions, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Cardiovascular Boost

Anyone who owns a pet knows the unconditional love a pet offers. But do you know that your blood pressure and triglyceride and cholesterol levels may be lower because of that unconditional love? According to the NIH, the relaxing effect of pets may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which in turn might promote a measure of protection from heart disease.

Pet owners are also more likely to survive a heart attack than those who don't have pets, according to a 1995 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

Mood Elevator

Pet ownership also may be good for your mood. Studies conducted on men with AIDS and with senior citizens indicate that pet ownership can help relieve symptoms of depression. A study published in the March 1999 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that senior citizens who own pets are less likely to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social isolation and are more active than those who do not own pets. Activity levels increased regardless of the kind of pet the individuals owned.

In addition, pet owners living alone say they are less lonely and report fewer minor health problems. Pets may help relieve stress and anxiety by encouraging playfulness and promoting laughter.

Pet Therapy

Many experts believe one reason pets may have a therapeutic effect on people is comfort. They are soft, soothing to stroke and nonjudgmental. Pets also seem to meet the need for companionship and relationship building that is not always available to some individuals.

For many people, the sense of responsibility associated with caring for a pet is significant. Nurturing an animal may expand a person's ability to generate social ties, according to researcher and British zoologist, Peter Messent.

Word of Caution

Although the benefits of pet ownership may be many, it's not for everyone. Not all people are financially or physically capable of caring for an animal. It's important to assess your ability to provide the care and basic needs of a pet before purchasing one. Also, take the time to research which kind of animal may be best suited to your lifestyle and abilities.

Courtesy of ARA content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com.