Pets Help Heal Their Owners

Q: Is it true that animals are used to help heal people and does having a pet make you healthier?

A: All living species on our planet have a special niche and appropriate place in the big cosmic flow. Animals share this earth with us and their interaction is a vital part of life. Even at this very moment we are still learning about how important our animal friends can be in understanding human functions as well as how our environment changes.

Research on sea animals such as sharks and dolphins is giving us a greater understanding of how sonar works and how communication systems are set up. Dolphin studies have been on-going for years in regards to their healing potential for humans.

At home we have discovered the tremendous healing capacity of pets. Pets can benefit our mental and our physical health. Reduction of stress is the greatest benefit. Studies have shown that pet owners have lover blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. In general, this puts those who share their lives with animals at a reduced risk of heart disease.

A ten month study that compared pet owners with non pet owners found that the pet owners have fewer headaches, fewer bouts of indigestion and less difficulty sleeping. The study ruled out increase in exercise but does bring to light another benefit of dog owners. One researcher who focused on this subject found that the average dog owner spends more than an hour a day outdoors with his or her animal. Fresh air and a brisk walk while relaxing your mind from all its stressful concerns is a tremendous mind and body enhancer.

Dogs and other pets act as built in motivators. Whether it is to wake you up each morning as a daily reminder to be fed or to be walked, pets keep us going and aide as perfect friends. An animal’s healing non-judgmental love can add that special warmth to any household. Pets enrich our lives and give us a sense of optimism, Safeguard us from depression and loneliness as well as hear us psychologically and physically.