
| by Kacie Galloway | We most often see animals in relation to human health in the context of exercise, explained Dr. Jimmy Davis of Arlington Heights Animal Hospital. "You see people running all the time with their dogs," he said, "and I think people look for a companion to be physical with. I think having that dog that will go the extra mile helps drive people's physical health."
The American Heart Association recommends that adults get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days each week, a goal easily met by walking the dog - or interacting with other pets like cats and horses. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, "Dog owners walk an average of 300 minutes per week, whereas people without dogs walk only about 168 minutes."
These simple daily walks can help your body stay limber, prevent heart disease and stroke, improve heart, brain and muscle function and make your pet happy and healthy too. Your pets need to be exercised just like you, though their activity requirements will vary depending on their weight, age, breed and species.
Some people do not think they can own pets because of allergies. However, animals without fur can be fun companions too. If you want a furry friend, there are hypoallergenic breeds of cats and dogs - such as the Devon Rex cat, Labradoodles and Malteses-that may work for you. In addition, research has shown that children who grew up in a home with animals had a lower chance of developing allergies. They also showed better immune systems and were less likely to develop eczema, according to a study cited by the Austin Humane Society.
In addition to physical health, animals have been shown to help improve our mental and emotional wellbeing. According to several researchers, spending time around your pet for just a few minutes can help relieve stress and anxiety and improve your mood. As explained by the Austin Humane Society, this research has shown that cortisol, a hormone related to stress, is lowered when you are with an animal. At the same time, serotonin, a chemical associated with happiness, is released. This is one of the reasons why some schools and universities bring in animals such as cats and dogs for students to play with when final exams are approaching.
"After a long day of work, you have your pet that you come home to," said Davis. "And they don't expect anything of you, but they bring you joy. They love you and don't care what kind of day you've had."
Pets have also been shown to help people in rehab. This is why animals are sometimes used in forms of therapy, such as Cook Children's Medical Center's animal therapy program. Children who interacted with a therapy animal after undergoing major surgeries have been shown to exhibit significantly reduced levels of perceived pain. "It's amazing how animals involved in therapy can break through barriers that humans can't," Davis said.
Pets give elderly owners reasons to get outside, go for a walk and spend quality time playing, which can help reduce pain in those with arthritis and lower chances of osteoporosis. Pets are important companions to many, including people with major illnesses, homeless people and elderly people who live alone. This special bond between a pet and its owner can give someone a sense of purpose and decrease depression.
Davis explained this bond, saying, "Who hasn't met a dog with a wagging tail and doesn't smile? It's an amazing bond that we have with animals that we can't put into words. They give us hope and joy."