62 percent of American households include at least one pet with pet ownership in the U.S. more than tripling from the 1970s, when approximately 67 million households had pets, to 2012, when there were 164 million owned pets.
The United States and its robust economy has been the leader in pet ownership since the 1950’s with poorer nations unable to do so, and with some utilizing cats & dogs as a food-source.
There are other benefits of pet ownership that do not include them a as a nutritional supplement however. Doctors and therapist have long known the benefits of pet ownership, encouraging programs that allow animals to visit hospitals, nursing homes, and recovering war-vets who may suffer from PTSD.
Even if you are young, vibrant and full of good health, you may want to add a pet to your lifestyle.
Below are some well-documented, scientific reasons for owning a pet.
1) Healthy Pets have Healthy Owners: People who have pets tend to be more active, whether it’s chasing after them for fun or taking them for fresh-air walks in the sun; pet owners have an over-all better wellness then non-pet owners.
2) Allergy Reduction: While the fur and dander of pets are frequently associated with allergies, in actuality children exposed to pets at an early age, shortly after birth, are less likely to incur allergies later on in life. Doctors in Mexico have been known to prescribe chihuahuas to children to curb allergies.
3) Social Interaction: If you have ever walked a dog or brought man’s best friend to the park you may notice that strangers are more likely to interact with you. Your pet will act as an ice-breaker. Someone that may not have the courage to approach another person will do so to engage with an animal.
4) Anti-Depressants: It’s hard to be in a bad mood when faced with a cuddling kitten or a face-licking pup. People with a pet in the home are less likely to be depressed than someone without one due to the increase of serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine occur naturally in humans and are known to be conducive to happiness and relaxation.
5) Big Hearts = Healthy Hearts: Pet owners tend to be more active than non-pet owners. Men who own a pet have been show to have lower chances of heart disease.
Pet ownership does not have to mean having a dog or a cat. Small furry pets like hamsters and rabbits work as well. Even an aquarium or terrarium can reduce anxiety for the owner.
