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How Pets Heal Us
It is no secret that our pets are good for us. Besides giving us a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, many studies have shown that pets help us heal physically and emotionally.
Having a dog means you are guaranteed to get outside, exercise, and walk more, not to mention the unconditional love they provide. In addition, cats help us with healing purrs that relax and make us feel good. Pets also help lower blood pressure and stress levels.
Pets positively affect our physical and mental health, one of the many reasons you should have one. If you want to learn more about how pets heal us, check out this article. United States : 2017 Intertek Aware User Group Meeting. (2017). MENA Report, n/a.
How Pets Heal Us
Any pet parent will tell you they could not imagine their lives without their beloved dog, cat, or another animal. There is no doubt that having a pet is fantastic. In addition, animals help heal those suffering from: (get ready for an extensive list!)
- Grief
- Abuse
- Obesity
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- Loneliness
- Depression
- Heart issues
- Physical pain
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
These issues can significantly reduce our self-esteem or take us down. However, pets can help us overcome all of them. Animals know how to heal us physically and emotionally. The following includes some of the things pets can help us with:
They Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
According to The National Library of Medicine, pets can help lower and improve blood pressure control in those with hypertension. In addition, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. There is also evidence that having a pet can positively affect those who have suffered from a stroke.
Dogs help decrease the risk of heart disease by forcing you to get out and walk more. Dogs help our hearts heal. Cat lovers also have a reason to celebrate: A research study published in Psychology Today indicates that individuals who do not have a cat have a 40 percent greater risk of having a heart attack than persons with a cat.
They Help Improve Mental Health
According to HelpGuide.org, pets, especially dogs and cats, can help alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress. For example, think of coming home after a long, grueling day at work, and your dog runs excitedly up to you and gives you kisses and cuddles, and suddenly you go from having extreme stress to feeling loved and appreciated.
There is a reason for this: When humans and dogs cuddle, the “love hormone” oxytocin is released by both parties. Oxytocin makes us feel good and combats stress anxiety, and depression. Other studies have shown that playing with a dog or cat can boost serotonin and dopamine, crucial in protecting our mental health.
They Help Us Feel Less Alone
If you are lonely or have gone through something traumatic, even if it is the break up of a significant relationship or the loss of a job, pets can help us feel less alone. Pets give us a sense of togetherness and a feeling of joy. If you are struggling over grief or losing a loved one, a pet can be there for you and help you get through it.
It is also true that pets help increase social interaction. You may have nothing in common with the guy behind you at the supermarket other than your love for your pets. You can get together with your neighbor and walk your dogs. Dogs also require training classes and games of frisbee at the dog park, where others bring their dogs. Animals bring us together and help us form strong bonds with each other.
A Cat’s Purr Can Heal
Dogs get all the glory, but there are unique benefits to having a cat. Besides being very relaxing, a cat’s purr can help relieve physical pain. Most domestic cats purr between 25 to 150 Hertz. Frequencies between 20 and 50 Hertz increase bone density and relax painful or tense muscles. When your cat purrs, you can feel the vibrations. It can help you feel better in so many ways.
Conclusion
Pets help us heal physically and mentally, as they protect our heart health as much as they help diminish depression and loneliness. So, if you are considering getting a pet for your family, know that you are about to commit to giving and receiving love, companionship, and joy for many years to come.
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