If you own a pet, you know that they bring so much fun and joy to your life. But there are also other benefits to owning a pet that we often overlook. America’s Family Pet Expo has done some research and has some information that you should be aware of!
- Studies show that pets can help lower the cholesterol, blood pressure and triglyceride levels in their pet owners.
- People with pets tend to exercise more, and children who have pets are said to get 20 more minutes of physical activity than those who do not have pets.
- Children who grow up with pets are less likely to develop allergies and have a better immune system.
- Having a pet can decrease heart attack mortality by 3%
- Owning a pet can decrease stress. One study done by Dr. Karen Allen studied 48 stockbrokers with hypertension. Half of the stockbrokers adopted a dog or cat, and when the study concluded, the other half without a pet were twice as stressed.
- Kids who have aquariums typically score higher on SATs.
- Companion pets help children adjust better to serious illness or death in the family.
- Children who grow up with pets learn responsibility and nurturing skills.
- Kids who have family pets have higher self-esteem. One study from the University of Kansas followed children ages seven to 14 and found that if they lived with a pet, their self-esteem and competence increased.
There are so many benefits to owning a pet and so much research that supports it! Please click on the following links for more facts and research on the benefits of pet ownership:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health_benefits.htm
http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=315
America’s Family pet Expo encourages you to carefully consider adding a pet to your family. If you are ready to make the commitment, the benefits of responsible pet care await you!
