Improve your Health through Pet Ownership

A loving pet in the home has been shown to improve the physical and emotional health of its human companions. A cat or dog can bring the family together in joyful periods of fun and activity, providing exercise and stress relief.

The responsibility of caring for your four pawed friend gives a sense of capability to people of all ages. The very young and the elderly can reinforce their perception of their abilities, giving self-confidence a real boost.

Loneliness, depression, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, lack of activity, and stress can all put a strain on your health. Studies have been conducted that suggest that people with a dog or cat in the home have a better chance of avoiding health risks than those in homes without pets. Research also suggests that heart attack victims have improved survival is they are pet owners. Many hospitals now allow pets to visit patients to help their mood and reduce stress.

Your pet loves you unconditionally. If you’re lonely your dog or cat provides companionship. A dog, more than a cat, is always available to listen to your problems and provide social support.  Of course, choosing the right pet for your lifestyle is important if you don’t want to add stress to your life by adopting an animal who will be a burden.

How will the animal be cared for when you travel? Are you prepared to deal with shedding and muddy paw prints? Will the dog be able to be walked in all kinds of weather? For most animal lovers, these are minor inconveniences, but the state of your health may make it hard to properly care for a pet.

Adopting a Puppy

If your home and lifestyle have room for a dog, you’re a very lucky person. A pet offers loyal companionship and unconditional love, two things that humans never have too much of.

When you consider bringing a puppy into your home, do a little planning and preparation to make the experience less stressful on your family and the newest addition. Tanzi Cordin offers wonderful tips for families who have pets or are thinking of getting pets. Tanzi speaks from personal and professional experience, so I am always interested in reading about her advice.  Her article Working and Having a Puppy is full of tips on successfully bringing your new furry bundle of joy into your home whether you must leave your puppy at home alone while you go to work or not.

When you’re trying to decide what dog to bring into your family, please don’t forget to visit your local animal shelter. There is a huge misconception that these are unwanted animals, but nothing can be farther from the truth. Some of the sheltered animals are well trained and loved companions that have been separated from their families because of financial hardships, relocation, health or even death of the owner or even separation caused by natural disasters. Speak to the people at the shelter and ask questions about the background of the dog. Ask if there is a private area available to get to know the animal before making the decision to adopt.

Making a commitment to bring a pet into the family should be done with research and planning. The decisions you make as both pet and master bond will lay the groundwork for years of  companionship and enjoyment.