Benefits of Adopting a New Pet

It is no secret that pets enrich our lives, but are there any actual benefits associated with adopting a pet? According to Sciencedaily.com, numerous studies have shown that pet owners may lower blood pressure, lessen anxiety, lift depression, and even lower the recovery time from surgery. There is even data proving that heart attack patients with pets have a longer life expectancy than those who do not.

Studies also show that:

• Senior citizens who own pets actually need less medical attention than those that do not.
• Pet owners typically have lower blood pressure than non-pet owners, and one study actually proved that with as little as 10 minutes with a pet can lower blood pressure significantly.
• Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners.
• Pet owners have overall better physical health due to exercise with their pets.
  70 percent of families surveyed reported an increase in family happiness and fun after acquiring a pet.
• Children exposed to pets during their first year of life have a lower frequency of some allergies and asthma.
• Children who suffer from autism have more pro social behaviors if they own a pet.
• Owning a pet - especially a dog - helps children in families better adjust to the serious illness or death of a parent.
• Pets decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation in their owners.
• Having a pet may decrease heart attack mortality rates by 3 percent, which translates into 30,000 lives saved annually.
• Positive self-esteem in children is enhanced if the child owns a pet.
• Children owning pets are more likely to be involved in sports, hobbies, clubs or even chores.
• Victims of AIDS who own a pet report less depression and reduced stress levels.
• Many groups take therapy pets to visit residents of nursing homes, and the experience has shown to be a very positive one for both the pet and the individual.
• The reverse is also true - the life of a pet is usually enhanced if its owner cares for it properly.

These are just a few ways that pets enrich our lives. Don’t forget the hours of fun you have watching your pet play and interact with you. When you are ready to adopt your new pet family member, check out your local shelters and rescues eager to help match you with your new family member. Make sure to spay or neuter your new pet as soon as possible to help reduce the pet population and also for the benefits to your pet. Also, find a veterinarian in your area to ensure your new addition will live a long happy life being your best friend.

Adapted from www.ScienceDaily.com November 5th, 2001