10 benefits that our pets bring us
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juillet 07, 2021
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Our animals bring us a lot of pleasure and joy on a daily basis, but it turns out that they are also excellent allies in our health ...
They strengthen our immune system.
Pet owners are said to have fewer health problems than those who don't. This is what several American studies have been claiming over the past decade. There is less high blood pressure, less cholesterol, and fewer cardiovascular disorders. In addition, pets also have recognized anti-stress virtues, and stress lowers the immune system.
They protect our children from diseases.
Living with a dog that spends at least part of its day outdoors could boost a child's immune system in the first year of life. Cats also seem to provide this protection, although the observed effect was weaker. Children living with pets would therefore use antibiotics less often than other children.
Likewise, infants living with companion dogs would be less prone to respiratory infections and their risk of allergies would be reduced by 33%.
They promote the psychological development of our children.
Animals not only affect the health of our children, but they also play a major role in their psychomotor and emotional development.
An animal develops the sense of responsibility of toddlers. Taking care of an animal, feeding it, walking it, petting it, and giving it affection helps children to increase their self-confidence. The animal represents at the same time its confidant, its playmate, its accomplice ... Thus, 36% of the children questioned believe that they have a sense of responsibility thanks to their animal.
The pet is also an element of calm and safety for the little ones. It has a stabilizing effect on their psychological development.
They watch over our hearts.
Petting a cat, dog, or any other furry animal, in general, gives us a feeling of well-being and immediately calms us: breathing slows down, blood pressure drops and heart rate drops, which greatly reduces the risk of developing a disease. Heart disease.
Note, however, that conversely, a poorly educated animal with behavioral disorders will have the opposite effect and will increase the risk of having a heart attack.
They create social ties.
Having a dog would increase the chances of forming new bonds with your neighbors to 86%, as many potential romantic encounters if you are single ... And when you know that people in a relationship are less prone to illnesses than single people, the pet is a real asset for health.
In children too, they play a great social role: children with pets would more easily bond with other children or adults. The animal is a development factor for the child and helps him to socialize, hence their positive influence on autistic children.
They help us keep our line.
Dog owners walk an average of 30 minutes more per week than people who don't. Walking your dog 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week would lose 6 pounds in a year.
It seems, although not yet proven, that even cat owners would exercise more than others. The main reason? The cat, by its behavior, would communicate its energy to us and give us more enthusiasm to exercise!
The animals would also have, thanks to the beneficial effects they have on morale, a regulatory effect on bulimic behaviour.
They help our teens.
Teenage years are never an easy time. Many parents are helpless in front of their teenager (s) who sometimes have incomprehensible or withdrawn behavior. The pet is recognized as a structuring element of the personality of young people. If the teenager does not wish to confide in an adult, he will always find a comforting 'ear' in his pet.
Additionally, one study found that teens with pets exercised more than others.
They soothe us.
Interactions with our animal friends reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
57% of cat owners believe that cat purring may be more effective than medication, hence the opening in recent years in France of several cat bars. This calming effect can be explained scientifically: the over-the-air frequency of purring is said to have a calming effect, much like music, which gave rise to music therapy. It is therefore natural that purring therapy was born, thanks to a veterinarian, Jean-Yves Gaucher.
Likewise, looking at an aquarium has an immediate calming effect, hence their presence in public places and especially in hospitals.
They fight depression.
The animal is undeniable psychological support. It prevents isolation and withdrawal: an animal that sees its master depressed will come and pick it up with a toy and still ask for its daily release.
The fact of being responsible for a living being is extremely rewarding for the individual suffering from depression who can think 'if I am not there, who will take care of my animal' and who thus finds meaning in his life.
In addition, it was noted that the level of anxiety and depression was lower in people over 65 years of age with pets.
They extend our life expectancy and help us heal.
Animals help the sick to heal and the elderly to feel better.
Their presence is thus more and more sought after in retirement homes or specialized centers (Alzheimer's, autism, etc.) and gives rise to the emergence of a new discipline: pet therapy.
Pet therapy consists of using the proximity of a domestic or pet animal, with humans suffering from mental, physical, or social disorders to reduce stress or the consequences of medical treatment. It has existed for many years in Canada.
