You would expect a local veterinarian office to be a proponent of pet ownership. Naturally, we love pets and love taking care of them!
But, did you know that pets are good for our own health and well-being? It may not surprise anyone that pets can bring great joy and comfort into our lives. But they also offer so much more.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are many personal medical benefits to having pets in our lives. For example:
Pets can decrease your:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Triglyceride levels
- Feelings of loneliness
Pets can increase your:
- Opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
- Opportunities for socialization
The bonuses of bringing a pet into your family have also been recognized by such organizations as the Chopra Center, known on its website as a provider of “experiences, education, teacher trainings and products that improve the health and well-being of body, mind and spirit.” In addition to the benefits mentioned by the CDC, the Chopra Center has also included the following health advantages to owning pets:
- Stress relief: Animals are great for helping us in stressful situations. Veterans who suffer from PTSD, anxious children, and overloaded medical students are just a few groups that have been known to benefit from the presence of a pet.
- Vitamin D intake: In addition to spending time outdoors with your pet and getting more exercise, exposing yourself to the natural Vitamin D provided by the sun is a beneficial bi-product.
- Boost in heart health: Activity with a pet can help reduce cardiovascular and obesity risks.
- Stronger allergy immunity: Researchers have suspected that growing up with pets can potentially strengthen the immune system and help children build immunity against pet allergens and bacteria.
- Improved emotional health: Pet owners are known to show positive emotional characteristics such as resilience, confidence, and the ability to develop strong, healthy relationships. Pet therapy has also been proven beneficial for elderly patients with dementia or depression.
As a local veterinarian, we want to help you keep your dog or cat healthy so that you can continue to love them and enjoy all the benefits of having them in your lives. Contact us at East Valley Animal Hospital to learn more about how we can be there for your pet…and for you.