How Pets Can Boost Your Health

It’s true that pets are man’s best friends. Your pet loves you unconditionally, and will stick with you even at your worst! And for all of this, pets never ask for more than a treat or the occasional scratch behind the ear.

It may surprise you to learn that even the American Psychological Association agrees that pets are awesome. They have discovered that pet owners often report feeling as attached to a beloved pet as they are to their own friends and family members.

Health Benefits Of Pet Ownership

In addition to providing us with support and companionship, pets can also have a positive effect on our health, both physical and emotional. Below are a few of the benefits of having a pet:

• Physical Activity – Pets encourage their owners to spend more time outdoors. Whether you’re taking a walk around the block or throwing a Frisbee around at the dog park, it’s been shown that dog owners are more than 50% more likely to spend more time outside being active.
• Stress Relief – Pets, but especially dogs, have proven to help lower anxiety in individuals with high stress levels. For example, service dogs are available to those suffering from post-traumatic stress, high anxiety levels, and children with panic disorders.
• Improves Emotional Health – A study conducted by a psychology journal found that people who own pets are more resilient, self-confident, and more likely to develop healthy personal relationships. Pet owners also less likely to suffer from depression.
• Improves Social Life – People bond over their pets! Whether you join an online group for cat lovers or meet other dog owners at the dog park, having a pet can give people something in common. This will make it easier to strike up a conversation and even a friendship.
• Prevents Allergies – Researchers have found that children who grow up with pets are less likely to suffer from allergies as adults. Pets can also boost the immune system of kids living in the same home.

After reading about all the ways your pet helps improve you life, don’t forget to slip him an extra treat tonight! And for more information about staying healthy, please make an appointment with Dr. Behnaz Raisdana here at Auburn Family Dental. Our office is located in Wichita, KS.