“I think I could turn and live with the animals. They are so placid and self-contained,'; writes American poet Walt Whitman (Schellenberg 1). Yes, pets have been part of human culture throughout history, and in American households, they are more common than children. It is reported that 58% of U.S. households have at least one pet, whereas only 35% have children (Whitaker; Witherell 76). Owners spend billions of dollars each year on pet food, accessories, and veterinary care, but apparently pets give back, too (Schellenberg 1). Medical studies show that pet companionship offers concrete health benefits (Simross 14). While only in the past few decades have scientists become interested in the benefits of pets on human health …show more content…
A recent study at UCLA found that 37% of Medicare patients who owned pets visited their doctor less frequently and seemed to tolerate stressful events better (Whitaker). These are only the physical benefits.
“Being with animals. . .is just good for our hearts and souls. We . . .know that animals can lower blood pressure and help us live longer. But there is a whole other spiritual level there,'; writes Susan McElroy, author of Animals as Teachers and Healers (Simross 15). The psychological benefits include reduced mental distress, a sense of security, lower rates of depression, and higher morale (Schellenberg 2). Serving as an effective stress reducer, “stroking an animal is calming,'; says UCLA psychologist Dr. Judith Siegel (Witherell 77). Patients who watched a fish tank before going into surgery did as well as those who underwent hypnosis to reduce anxiety and discomfort (Schellenberg 2). The benefits are obvious no matter if the animal has four legs, wings, fins, or even scales.
Why such beneficial effects? “Ironically, the most common reason people give for not having pets-having to care for them-is one of the reasons pets improve health. Pets require that you ‘extend’ yourself when you normally wouldn’t, and for people who are ill or just want better health, pets turn them into ‘care
There are several benefits to having your own pet spayed or neutered besides helping solve this crisis. The benefits include reducing the risk of some of the most common types of cancers, making it likelier for animals to live a longer and healthier life, and nixing aggression problems. This causes animals mark their territory with strong-scented urine. And contray to common
There are lots of people who can benefit from pet therapy. People who can benefit from pet therapy are people having denture problems, receiving cancer treatment, people in long term facilities, people hospitalized with chronic heart failure, and veterans with PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder.) Not just people who are dealing with the struggling events can benefit from pet therapy. The person's family can also benefit from pet therapy because they know the person will not be alone anymore. The person's friends can benefit from
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a pet as “a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than a utility.” Dogs have been considered man's best friend for centuries. They have stood side by side through natural disasters, family tragedies, the gift of life, birthdays, and anything else that comes to mind. These furry friends do not judge people for how they look, but show love and compassion to everyone. Dogs help people cope mentally and emotionally, receive sufficient exercise, and create new friendships.
Scientists have shown that pet ownership can have demonstrably positive effects on human health. "A 10-month prospective study was carried out which examined changes in behaviour and health status in 71 adult subjects following the acquisition of a new pet (either dogs or cats). A group of 26 subjects without pets served as a comparison over the same period. Both pet-owning groups reported a highly significant reduction in minor health problems during the first month following pet acquisition, and this effect was sustained in dog owners through to 10 months" (Serpell 1991). Dog owners in particular benefited from
Is it worth it? I find myself asking this question any time I have to make an important decision, so is it really worth it? According to Burkhard Bilger, the author of “The Last Meow” “Americans spend nineteen billion dollars a year on veterinary care, up from eleven billion dollars just seven years ago.” (par. 48) Nineteen billion dollars is a large amount of money being spent on animals, and the only reasons Americans are willing to spend so much is because of the caring and loving traits the animals bring. In studies conducted by The American Heart Association, dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression, playing with a dog or cat can increase levels of dopamine and serotonin (two compounds that can calm and relax the human body), and pet owners over age sixty-five make fewer trips to their doctors. If an animal is able to reduce the amount of doctor office visits, calm owners, and save them from
These animals help people clear their heads and think about something else (Christiansen). They also help people snap out of what they are thinking about. They can also be trained to search homes for intruders to help people feel much safer at home (“Veteran with PTSD”). Along with helping us feel safer they can make people feel like they have a purpose in life, causing them to then become instantly happy (Siddiqui; Falligant). The animals can also do simple things like house chores. For example, they can flip light switches on and off (Siddiqui). So now people who have a hard time standing up or walking can have their animal help them with the chores. The animals can also achieve a task in various locations (“What is animal”). Since they are mainly directed toward youth, it increases their socializing with other people, and help to improve their behavior (“Benefits of Pet”; Falligant). With some patients, they have a hard time accessing their emotions, so the animals can help them do that (“What is animal”). Animal assisted therapy has many benefits no matter the age of the
People are healthier when they own pets.In the autobiography ''My Story'' froom Animals in Translation by Temple Gradin and Catherine Johnson ''Temple said she spent every spare moment working the barns.'' It's makes Temple healtheir by it's exersirse for her you know all the things you are doing are burning calories.
The helpful capability of animals was initially perceived in the late 1800s, when Florence Nightingale, the founder of advanced nursing, made generous disclosures in regards to animal-assisted therapy. The thought that animal-assisted therapy can assume a critical part in enhancing human prosperity struck as a genuine practice in 1980(Berek 1). E. Friedman discovered a phenomenal experiment that showed those who own pets tend to live longer than those who do not own any pets(1). Studies show that petting an animal releases hormones that produce a calming effect to humans which can lead to lower blood pressure and stress levels(1). The calming effect also works on
They walked an average of 300 minutes per week, compared with non-dog owners, who walked an average of 168 minutes per week, which in all could help you lose weight and make you healthy for a longer life. People who have strong connections to their pets also have social and relationship benefits. The researchers surveyed 500 18- to 26-year-olds and found that those who had “strong attachment to pets reported feeling more connected to their communities and relationships.” They also found that the more attached a person was to an animal as a teenager and young adult, the more empathetic and confident he or she was. Loneliness is common among the elderly. Studies have shown that in people 60 years of age and older, owning a dog were four times less likely to be diagnosed as clinically depressed. They are always happy to see you. Dogs get so excited when we come home and it always puts a smile on peoples faces. Dogs like to snuggle up to you and keep you warm when it’s chilly, especially when they're fluffy and soft. Kids learn about taking care of someone other than themselves like feeding the dog and taking them outside it really teaches kids how at a young age that they are responsible for their own things. Dog owners have a much higher rate of recovery from being sick than non-dog
The benefits of pets for seniors is well established. Spending time with a pet has been shown to lower stress, lower blood pressure, and increasing mental acuity. Dogs are the primary companions related to these benefits, but other pets are successful as well.
While people love their pets this paper considers if animals have a larger therapeutic roll. Looking at the consumer spending on pets alone, one can get a sense of the importance we focus
First, owning a pet can give people some major health benefits. Without a pet, a day at work or school can be stressful. By the end of the day, people could be ripping out their hair or throwing papers everywhere. This can make anyone’s heart rate go up as well as their blood pressure. Thankfully, studies have shown that interacting with a dog or other pet can lower his or her’s cortisol levels. For instance, after only three months, a group of people working with dogs were shown to have significant drops in blood pressure and stress. Pet’s happy go lucky vibes can impact their owners to feel the same, lowering his or her’s stress level. Even when someone sees a picture of their pet when they're stressed, it can immediately cause his or her’s heart
Getting a pet can help reduce depression or anxiety. Whether it’s a dog or a cat, getting a pet that you love can help you manage your depression or anxiety. In the article Feldman discusses research conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institution (HABRI). Researchers found, “Specifically, pets and therapy animals can help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness and social isolation,” (Feldman). Researchers also found, “Positive human-animal interaction is related to the changes in physiological variables both in humans and animals, including a reduction of subjective psychological stress (fear, anxiety) and an increase of oxytocin levels in the brain. Science demonstrates that these biological responses have
“A dog is a man’s best friend” goes much deeper than the phrase might initially imply. Recently many medical journals have begun to identify with the many and varied benefits of pet ownership. Men have always relied upon animals for work, transportation, and survival. As times have changed, man has begun to appreciate a different bond with animals. Gone are the days of animals running free outside around the homestead, for now animals are allowed inside and are considered by many to be an integral part of our daily lives! Medical studies have found that animals have a much greater intelligence level than originally thought. Through proper training and experience, animals are not only household pets, but also are becoming an accepted form
Animals have a significant role in many people’s lives. Animals are also admired as companions. A companion is a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels. These companions can affect the quality of our lives. More than half american households have a pet, and most think of them as family members. Research show that having a pet can have a huge impact on a person’s physical health. Healthier hearts, fewer visits to the doctor, and get more exercise are some examples on how animals can huge impact. Having a dog in particular can lower the risk of heart disease and lower stress. A dog can also have a compelling impact on children and elderly individuals. When the dog was present, children less behavioral distress, lower blood pressure, and lower heart rates. Also elderly individuals that performed physical activities were able to perform better. Animals can also