The Advantages of Pet Ownership

Happy Family With Pet

As most pet owners know, there are many benefits that having and caring for a pet can bring into our lives.  I was surprised to learn some new things, and I would like to share them with you.

Benefits for children

Pets provide a sense of responsibility for children – they learn to care for their pet as they learn  that the pet is dependent upon their owners to feed, groom, love, and care for them.

Pets help children learn – It was shown that children often read to their pets or have conversations with their pets because pets are non-judgmental. Therefore, children are more relaxed and do not feel pressured when around their pets.  Pets are great listeners!

Pets provide comfort and encourage nurturing in children – When children are sad, angry, or afraid, they often turn to their pets for comfort and solace.

Pets build family bonds – Pets help families grow stronger and closer.  Very often, a pet is the focus of activities that families do together, both in the home and outdoors.

Pets provide an important health benefit to children –  I was not aware that children exposed early on to animals (most specifically furry and feathered pets) tend to develop stronger immune systems  overall.  A study by Dennis Ownby, MD, a pediatrician and head of the allergy and immunology department of the Medical College of Georgia shows that having multiple pets actually decreases a child’s risk of developing certain allergies.  Children who grow up on farms  and who are around animals usually don’t have allergies.  No one knows for sure why this is the case, but it seems to be a natural immunotherapy of sorts.

Benefits of Pet Ownership for Adults

Pets make us healthier –CDC and NIH studies have shown that pet owners exhibit decreased blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, all of which can decrease the risk of heart attacks.  The care of some pets involves outdoor exercise, which is a definite plus in healthier living for owners.

Pets improve socialization skills – Whether it be meeting and interacting with other pet owners at a dog park or training classes, at the vet’s office, or an online site, people who own pets find and create a social bond with other pet owners.

Pets combat feelings of loneliness and isolation – This is particularly true in the elderly and the unwell.  Pets provide companionship and a sense of purpose, which is very important. I have seen this firsthand in being a Pets On Wheels volunteer for many years and with seeing seniors in my neighborhood with pets.  The transformation and difference in an elderly person who was once alone and who now has a pet for a companion is amazing.

Pets both distract you and keep you present – This seems a little confusing, so here’s an example: A friend had a medical condition that required a biopsy.  She began to worry and stress over what the results might show, but she had to take care of her diabetic cat and be very careful of his feeding and his insulin injections.  She found that taking care of her cat made her forget about worrying about her own issues and kept her thoughts in the present.  Her stress level was greatly lessened and she remained calm until she got her test results…..which, happily, were normal.

Last, and certainly not least, pets give us unconditional love and make us smile.  These simple gifts they give us are priceless. They are an important source of love and friendship and they can help us enjoy a much fuller and more rewarding life.

Cheri