The Effects Of Companion Animals On College Campuses

As a student who struggles with depression and anxiety, I know how helpful to my emotional health my puppy is to me, but students with disabilities are not the only ones who could benefit from a pet. College student often have a good bit of stress because of their classes, relationships, and/or jobs. Numerous studies have found that animals are great at reducing stress and aiding in the relaxation of their owner (Casciotti & Zuckerman, 2016). Another problem many students may have at times is feelings of seclusion.

To what extent is owning a dog beneficial for a person’s physical and psychological health? ________________________________________

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

“A Healthy Dose of Puppy Love” by Kathryn Satterfield describes a new study that shows that dogs can improve an individual’s health by lowering anxiety levels and by improving cardiac function. Specially trained therapy dogs visited a hospital in November in Dallas, Texas to help conduct a study that animals can improve an individual’s health, to do this people split the seventy six patients into a total of three groups: visitors with dogs, visitors, and an “at rest group.” For accurate results researches preformed anxiety tests on the patients before, during, and after the visit, and the results concluded that patients who received visits from people had encountered a ten percent drop in anxiety, while patients who received visits from dogs

John Muir, an American naturalist and writer said “Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.” People can improve their lives through observing and interacting with animals. People's lives are improved when they interact with animals by making them healthier, csreing , and happier. People are healthier when they own pets. " He taught me to appreciate the simple things—a walk in the woods,'' quoted in the story by John Grogan in "Marly and Me".

While humans and animals are commonly seen to think apart and generate thoughts differently than each other, the truth is that since the beginning, humans and animals have had many ways in which they found each other to be compatible with the opposite, because they had come to a realization that they needed each other physically, emotionally, and mentally. And of course though pets may not be suitable to someone’s capricious persona, studies over time have shown that, spending quality time with a pet boosts happiness and helps your immune system.

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

Not only are pets therapeutic for humans but they also can be beneficial to the physical well-being of a person. Having a pet can mean staying active and thus being physically healthier. While many pets require walking, playing or simply require more physical work like cleaning, bathing etc. it pushes people to be more active on a daily basis which is healthier than sitting on a couch watching television. Having a pet can also add structure or a daily routine to a person’s life. For example “Dogs require a regular feeding and exercise schedule. Having a consistent routine keeps a dog balanced and calm—and it can work for you, too. No matter your mood—depressed, anxious, or stressed—one plaintive look from your dog and you’ll have to get out

While the concept of animals as companions to humans is ancient, it is only during the past thirty years or so that researchers have began to study the question of why humans keep pets. The term human-animal bond has come to represent endeavors in this area. The human-animal bond is defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association as a “mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both.” It has been proven that animals make a positive difference in people's lives. In fact, there are some individuals whom rely on

The importance of animals goes beyond more than just being a house pet. Animals help humans emotionally and socially, through good times an through bad. Pets can help people relax and focus their attention away from problems and worries. Pets also decrease the feelings of loneliness and isolation by providing companionship and love. The most beneficial impact that animals provided, are helping particular humans in the form of trained service, or assistance, to people with disabilities. Animals such as dogs, help people with accomplishing tasks that they would normally struggle with achieving on their

James Madison University explored the pros and cons of owning a pet in college. The stressors of college are all a part of transitioning to the adult life, and “one fairly common method [of coping] is through pets. Pets provide an unconditional love, giving students something they can always rely on.” (JMU). A study published by Dr. Kathleen Adamle in the Journal of American College Health, 90.3% of students agreed that they find relief by spending time with pets during difficult times. (Adamle, Riley, Carlson) .

Owning a pet has been shown to reduce minor health problems, positively influence human behavior, and increase overall well-being. In a 10-month prospective study, a new pet (dog or cat) resulted in a reduction in minor health problems beginning the first month following pet acquisition and lasting throughout the full 10 months. Improvement was also seen in the subjects’ scores on the General Health Questionnaire over

There isn’t a better, more comforting feeling, than coming home after a long, hard day at work or school and being welcomed at the door with a wagging tail, wet kisses, and an excited to see you face from your dog. For many, having any sort of interaction with a pet or animal is the ultimate cure to stress that is caused by work, people, and life. While not every college student is able to have a loving pet in their lives, even a momentary encounter with any animal can lower stress and anxiety levels. Multiple studies have proven that animals are a powerful form of stress relief by not only lowering blood pressure, but also lowering a dangerous stress hormone, cortisol, which is correlated with depression and anxiety. Interactions with animals have also proven to raise oxytocin levels, which are linked to pleasure, relaxation and happiness. Lowering stress and anxiety in college students will help them academically and socially throughout their college lives. College students will experience lower stress levels, a lower level of cortisol, and live a happier stress-free life by interacting with animals or pets throughout their time in college.

“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

“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