The Many Benefits of Pet Ownership

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“A dog is a man’s best friend” goes much deeper than the phrase might initially imply. Recently many medical journals have begun to identify with the many and varied benefits of pet ownership. Men have always relied upon animals for work, transportation, and survival. As times have changed, man has begun to appreciate a different bond with animals. Gone are the days of animals running free outside around the homestead, for now animals are allowed inside and are considered by many to be an integral part of our daily lives! Medical studies have found that animals have a much greater intelligence level than originally thought. Through proper training and experience, animals are not only household pets, but also are becoming an accepted form of medical treatment.

Owning a pet can have many physical and mental health benefits. Medical studies show having a pet result's in lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pets have a role in cardiovascular health from lowering blood pressure, and they encourage psychosocial stability in owners, which further reduces the risk of heart disease. In the hectic and fast-paced world we live in today, pets are actually saving our lives. Pets provide an excuse to be active, dogs live an active lifestyle, wanting to play and run around outside. By making us more active and improving our health, dogs often provide a good workout! Instead of sitting on the couch being lazy, dogs are eager to transfer their energy and enthusiasm to the owner benefiting both dog and owner in many ways. Studies show that dogs demonstrate trust and provide comfort to the sick or elderly thus helping people to live longer and to be more positive as they age. Animal owners over 75 years of age have f...

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... and faithfulness that cannot be found from any other source. Even the most hardened of hearts can be touched by a cold wet nose or a comforting snuggle. Pets seem to be able to recognize and adapt to many of the conditions placed on them in our human environment. They can provide the sense of companionship, and love that is lacking in regular human relationships.

Works Cited

Davis, Jeanie L. "What Are the Health Benefits of Owning a Pet." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. WebMD. Web. 30 Nov. 2011.

"The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Program: The Health Benefits of Pets." NIH Consensus Development Program. Web. 30 Oct. 2011.

"Why Have Pets - Health Benefits of Owning a Pet." Shil1978 on HubPages. Web. 30 Oct. 2011.

Wilkey, Mark. "Why Do So Many People Keep Pets?" ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory. Web. 30 Oct. 2011.

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