Pets can help combat stress
Talking to or stroking a pet can make stress easier to handle.
A study from researchers at the State University of New York
at Buffalo found that, when conducting a stressful task, people
experienced less stress when their pets were with them.
Various other studies and data from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention have found having a pet around
can lower blood pressure, ease anxiety and may even help
to lessen aches and pains. Pets provide unconditional love,
which can be beneficial to someone facing depression or post
traumatic stress disorder.
Pets can help prevent loneliness
Loneliness affects people of all ages, but it is particularly
problematic among seniors. Older adults who may be
isolated can benefit from having a pet around. According
to a study published in Aging & Mental Health, older
adults who owned pets were 36 percent less likely to say
they were lonely compared to those who didn't have an
animal companion.
Pets help lower allergy risks
Keeping pets around can reduce a child's likelihood of
developing allergies by as much as 33 percent, according to
a study by pediatrician James E. Gern that was published
in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. People
exposed early on to animals tend to develop stronger
immune systems overall.
Pets provide socialization opportunities
A pet can be the common denominator to strike up
new friendships and connect with others. Whether
walking around the neighborhood or being part of a pet
obedience class or interest group, pets can help their
owners expand their social circles.
Pets help teach responsibility
Taking care of a pet can help children and adults become
more responsible. According to the American Pet Product
Association, 58 percent of pet owners say their pets help
teach their kids to be responsible through routine care,
exercise and feeding of the animal.
Pets have been kept for centuries, kids.
Statistics from various sources indicate that North
Americans own millions of dogs, cats, birds, small
mammals, and reptiles.
Pets' affable nature and loving looks are enough
for many people to welcome them into their
homes, but the benefits of having a pet extends
beyond their appearances and temperaments.
Pets can save lives
Pets can be trained to perform various tasks around the
house and in the community. Rescue animals assist in
finding people after natural disasters. Medical alert pets can
help people with debilitating illnesses and assist physically
impaired people with everyday tasks.
Pets: Our furry friends
46 • Off icialKidsMag.com • FEBRUARY 2019
