Dog Therapy has been a huge help with many different people with different illnesses and disorders. “It is believed that when Petting an animal is believed to cause the release of endorphins (feel-good neurotransmitters) which can have an extremely positive impact on patients dealing with depressive disorders.” (DogTime Pet therapy and mental health ). Dogs have been more of help to humans that are healthy and others that are not they affect us and we usually take them for granted. Therapy dogs are a huge influence on humans with illnesses and disorders and well as with ordinary people as companions.
Today, more than 50% of all U.S. households have a companion animal. Pets are more common in households with children, yet there are more pets than children in American households.1,2 While current research studies have shown that the mere presence of a pet can have a positive influence on the physical, social and psychological aspects of health, the use of animals as a therapeutic modality is often met with skepticism.1,2
This is a vital independent variable that should be evaluated and questioned in further studies due to humans’ need for some sort of social contact. The closer and more bonded that an individual is to their pet, perhaps the more socially fulfilled that individual will be, and in turn, the happier they will be. On the other hand, if the individual and the pet do not have a connection, then does having a pet make a difference, or is the individual happiness still above average, worse, or at a societal
Owning and caring for pets is an extremely normal thing for people throughout the world. The love that millions of communities have for animals is huge and it brings a multitude of people together because of their common bond. Many studies have indicated that owning a pet can better the owner’s health, and even lengthen his/her life. Pets can be incredibly helpful for a variety of reasons making people agree that pets bring more enjoyment than dissatisfaction. Owning pets has become a very popular trend for a number of reasons, such as service, protection, and companionship.
The research question states ‘To what extent is owning a dog beneficial for a person’s physical and psychological health?’ The investigation is aimed to determine the extent of the benefits of owning a dog for a person’s physical and psychological health. The main focus will be on exercising, developing one’s responsibility and companionship. The findings from this research target on people those involved or interested in owning a dog, such as dog owners, animal lovers, children and the elderly. The investigation will address three key benefits of owning a dog in terms of maintaining one’s physical and psychological health, which include exercise, taking responsibility and companionship.
Pets provide a sense of comfort and purpose in their owner’s life (Bennett). Humans have the basic need to touch, thus, when a person strokes an animal, blood pressure lowers and leaves that person feeling more calmed and less stressed (Robinson and Segal), though researchers believe that cats have a more calming effect on people than other animals do (WebMD). Giving a child a pet is very effective in helping them develop basic motor and social skills, a sense of responsibility, compassion, empathy, stimulate imagination, creativity, curiosity, and even make them feel better about themselves. Furthermore, both children and adults alike become more active when having a pet for a companion (Robinson and Segal). “Horseback riding gives stretching exercise, and helps at regaining balance and building core strength” (WebMD). While multiple studies have shown that walking one’s dog, grooming, and even petting boosts fitness, also counting as weight-loss, strengthens the heart, muscles, immune system, and bones, while improving blood circulation, boosting energy, and slowing the loss of bone tissue (WebMD; Robinson and Segal; Humane Society of the United States) “People who have pets tend to have better levels of cholesterol, cortisol, and triglyceride” (WebMD), moreover, “playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax” (Robinson and Segal). “In 2001, a study
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
Have you ever noticed that dog owners are happier and healthier than non dog owners?Dogs have been used for centuries and we still love them as our trusting companions. There are many reasons that dogs are called a “mans’ best friend”. Having a dog can have many benefits including lower risk of cardiovascular complications, they can improve your mood, and they can help with many physical and mental disabilities in the form of service dogs or mobility support dogs.
Owning a pet does extradonry wonders to your health. One reason I believe this is that dogs can now detect diffrent types of cancer in human bodies.Dogs are able to figure out where the cancer is in less than three hours. Another reason why owning a pet boost your health is that they lower the chance for diseases such as heart disease and cardiovascular disease. They also lower chances of high blood pressure. Also people that suffer from a heart attack and own a dog are twice as likely to fully
Having pets can also teach you new things. In this article, How Animals Help People (http://www.bhg.com/pets/care/family-pet/how-pets-help-people/) “Companion animals are natural teachers. They help people of all ages learn about responsibility,
We all know that owning pets make us happy. But research is suggesting that pets can also make us healthy, or healthier. That explain the increasing use of animal therapy, dogs and cats mostly, but people also use birds, fish and even horses, they are being used in hospitals, nursing homes to schools, jails and mental institutions. They are being use for
The Elderly – The benefits of having a companion animal can be life-changing for seniors. Walking a dog is a great way to get cardiovascular exercise, and the simple act of caring for a pet can provide a means of stimulation for seniors and a way to stay mentally and physically engaged. The elderly may feel needed when taking care of a pet, and that feeling can give them a greater sense of purpose. Having an AAT enables more socialization, lowers stress, and increases mental stimulation.
For centuries humans have known the use of pets such as dogs,cats, birds and even horses can not only make use feel joyful, they can also make us more sociable, reduce stress, and improve our health. One of the first studies ever conducted in 1980 found that heart attack patients that owed pets lived longer than the patients who didn't.("How Animals And Humans Heal Each Other"NPR)
Owning a pet has much more influence on our lives than just that of companionship. According to the Centers for Disease Control (2014), pets can decrease your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness. The Centers for Disease Control (2014) also found that pets can increase your opportunities for exercise and outdoor activies, circling back to what they can decrease, and that they can increase your socialization opportunities- increasing your mental health.
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.