According to the ASPCA, there are approximately 75 million dogs and 85 million cats owned in the United States. About 63 percent of all households in the U.S. have a pet of some sort (ASPCA, 2011). Needless to say, many people own pets whether they are dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, or horses. Owning a pet brings joy to people around the world and can offer many benefits. While they can be expensive and require a lot of attention, pets help keep people healthy. Mental, emotional, as well as physical health can be improved simply by owning a pet.
I decided to choose this topic for my blog because I am a huge animal lover. I currently own two dogs, a cat, and a horse. My pets add so much love to my life and contribute greatly to my overall happiness. On difficult days, I can come home and know that my pets will be happy to see me and spending time with them helps wash away the negative events that happened throughout the day. Just like many other Americans, I have issues with seasonal depression. When the gray days and lack of sunshine start to take a toll on me, I rely on horseback riding to get me out of my funk. Instead of turning to medication, I spend a little time in the saddle and it somehow turns my day around. I cannot imagine my life without pets. I know my life would be dramatically different without them. Exercise physiologist Karen Nelson wrote an article that summarized many of the different benefits that pets provide people. Here are just a few of the benefits discussed in Nelson's article:
1. Pets are therapeutic-Horses are used for therapeutic riding for individuals who have autism, cerebral palsy, and have had a stroke. Dog therapy has been successful for the blind by helping the individual regain their independence. Dog therapy has also proven successful for individuals who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and has shown to have a calming effect on AIDS patients.
2. Pets help combat ADHD- The important role of taking care of a pet has helped children with ADHD to plan and be responsible. The special bond that occurs between a pet and animal also provides the child with self-esteem.
3.Pets have also been linked to improved immunity. Children who have grown up with pets are less likely to develop allergies.
4. Pets can decrease depression-The unconditional love that a pet gives can decrease depression. In fact, petting an animal has a calming effect on people.
5. Owning a pet lowers the risk of dying of heart disease and stroke. Pet owners also tend to have lower blood pressures than those who do not own pets.
6. Pets improve physical fitness- Dog owners tend to be more physically fit than those who do not own dogs. Getting out and walking the dog not only provides a pet with great exercise, but it gets the owner active as well.
A.S.P.C.A. (2011). Pet Statistics. Retrieved February 28, 2011 from http://www.aspca.org/about- us/faq/pet-statistics.aspx.
Nelson, K. (2010). Pets Keep Us Healthy! Retrieved February 27, 2011 from
http://tucsoncitizen.com/kare/2010/02/09/pets-keep-us-healthy/.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/kare/2010/02/09/pets-keep-us-healthy/.
