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We love our pets and they love us. This blog is dedicated to all of our furry friends.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The Human Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

Pet ownership has many benefits. One of the more interesting effects is the health and medical benefits that pets have on humans. There have been numerous studies that have verified positive health and medical effects in a vast array of different areas. Consider for example that studies have shown the following:

Senior citizens that own a dog frequent their doctor less than those that do not own a dog.

Daily activity levels of seniors that are not pet owners deteriorated faster than those of pet owners.

Pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Children that own pets scored higher on empathy and pro social orientation scales than non-pet owners.

Positive self esteem within children is enhanced by pet ownership.

Pet owners have higher one year survival rates following coronary heart disease.

Pets decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation

For a more detailed listing of this information and other relevant articles visit the Delta Society which is an organization that promote human health improvement through service and therapy animals.

As a pet owner myself who has experienced the joy of pet ownership I can say that I am not entirely surprised by these results. It's well known that our own personal happiness has definite effect on our physical well being. Pets can certainly provide the companionship and love that boost self esteem and psychological well being.

Labels: Adopt a Senior Pet, Pet Owner Statistics