By Dafne Dorcelus
There are few things better than coming home from a stressful day at work to an excited dog or cat that is able to provide you with the comfort and support you so desperately seek.
Whether you’re at your best or feeling your absolute worst, pets always remain right by your side.
More than just a furry, loyal companion, pets are often considered to be another member of the family.
Pet owners are just as close to their pets as they are to the most important people in their lives. (No doubt that most pet owners can vouch for that).
In addition to companionship, pets can provide owners with numerous other health benefits, both psychological and physical.
The following are some of the benefits of owning a pet.
Animals, particularly dogs, are often used to help individuals manage high stress levels.
Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stressed out medical student, and anxious children are just a few groups that experience less stress in the presence of a pet.
Pet owners know how much their furry friend improves their quality of life. But it’s not all about unconditional love, although that actually provides a wellness boost, too.
On an emotional level, owning a pet can decrease depression, stress and anxiety; health-wise, it can lower your blood pressure, improve your immunity and even decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke, but the positives don’t stop there.
There are also incredible health benefits that can come with owning a pet.
A lot of the health benefits of owning a pet may stem from the mental and emotional benefits.
“People who have pets are less harried; there’s more laughter in their life,” says Dr. Becker. “When you come home, it’s like you’re George Clooney. You’re a star.”
This is a primary reason pets are used in various forms of therapy.
“At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, they’re using dogs to help soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Katy Nelson, DVM, associate emergency veterinarian at the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia. “They’re finding the guys who have a pet are able to re-enter society a little bit easier. They’re showing a decreased suicide rate, one of the biggest health threats [veterans] face. These guys who have a pet have someone they’re responsible for, someone who cares about them. And they don’t have to explain what they’ve been through.”