Researchers at several universities, including the University of London, the State University of New York and Henry Ford Hospital have found there are several perks to owning a pet. Besides the obvious reason of the benefits of the love between a pet and its owner, there are several health reasons which make owning a pet good for you and your children!
Researchers have found that children with dogs take 360 more steps a day and exercized 11 more minutes each day. They believe owning a dog could be an answer to childhood obesity. Other research indicates that cuddling with a furry friend helps children relax. Petting animals actually slows down the heart rate and makes you feel calmer. Adult pet owners had lower blood pressure when responding to stress than adults who do not own pets. Studies have also shown that taking care of their pets teaches kids empathy. Pets help children and adults cope with stress such as moving or dealing with a divorce. Therapy for traumatized Bosnian children included pet therapy. It works because pets provide companionship and unconditional love. As well, they encourage play and laughter. Adults dealing with depression respond to pets because of this; pets can make them laugh and play when nothing else works. The biggest surprise to me was finding out that children living with a pet are 50 percent less likely to develop allergies! Studies done at Henry Ford Hospital and the Medical College of George indicates that this may be due to compounds called endotoxins found in the mouths of cats and dogs. Kids are exposed to them through petting and playing with their animals. These are all benefits of owning a pet, but I think the best reason is to bask in the unconditional love of our furry friends. Enjoying all the benefits of owning a pet . . . it’s a good thing!
Researchers have found that children with dogs take 360 more steps a day and exercized 11 more minutes each day. They believe owning a dog could be an answer to childhood obesity. Other research indicates that cuddling with a furry friend helps children relax. Petting animals actually slows down the heart rate and makes you feel calmer. Adult pet owners had lower blood pressure when responding to stress than adults who do not own pets. Studies have also shown that taking care of their pets teaches kids empathy. Pets help children and adults cope with stress such as moving or dealing with a divorce. Therapy for traumatized Bosnian children included pet therapy. It works because pets provide companionship and unconditional love. As well, they encourage play and laughter. Adults dealing with depression respond to pets because of this; pets can make them laugh and play when nothing else works. The biggest surprise to me was finding out that children living with a pet are 50 percent less likely to develop allergies! Studies done at Henry Ford Hospital and the Medical College of George indicates that this may be due to compounds called endotoxins found in the mouths of cats and dogs. Kids are exposed to them through petting and playing with their animals. These are all benefits of owning a pet, but I think the best reason is to bask in the unconditional love of our furry friends. Enjoying all the benefits of owning a pet . . . it’s a good thing!
No comments:
Post a Comment