Puppy Love & Pet Therapy

Pet therapy is growing more common each day. It is more than parading a dog or cat through a nursing home or retirement center. Pet therapy actually has positive, multiple health benefits and can offer happiness and possibly extended lives to people with chronic, life-threatening diseases.

Researchers have found that heart attack victims with pets lived longer than those without pets. A study of hospital patients in coronary care units showed their blood pressure was lower because they watched tropical fish.

Owning a pet, stroking an animal or staring at an aquarium has been shown to reduce stress and add years to your life. Pet owners also reportedly are healthier than non-pet owners and require fewer visits to their doctor for care.

Pets that can give you benefits aren't limited to dogs or cats. Even if you rent and your landlord doesn’t allow cats or dogs, a simple aquarium or fish bowl can have the same calming effect. The same is true of parakeets and hamsters.

To reap all the benefits of owning a pet and not add stress to your life, make certain you have adequate space and accommodations for your newly chosen friend. Do a little research when trying to find the perfect companion that is compatible with you. Keep in mind, an animal, just like a human, has a personality. If you are given an opportunity to spend time with him or her, this is highly recommended to see if the chemistry between pet and owner works.

How can owning an animal help us in other ways?

• Experts have seen that children who own animals show more empathy toward others. As a child grows with the animal, they can understand their pet’s emotions and body language. Children take this learned empathy with them into their adult relationships with people.

• We learn how to nurture another life. Taking care of an animal requires care, feeding and lots of love. Although our parents teach us about nurturing, caring for an animal also helps build on this skill.

• We feel accepted with our pets. Animals don't judge us. They love us unconditionally. Whenever we are feeling down, our pet is there to brighten our day and lift our spirits.

• Animals can bring laughter and joy to our lives. Watching them roll around or chase after a toy can make us feel like kids again.

• The sense of touch that comes with petting an animal makes us feel good inside. Making physical contact with another life in a non-threatening manner is special to us.

• Pets can help decrease our anxiety. Studies have shown the presence of a pet can reduce both heart rates and blood pressure in owners. Relaxing is easier with a pet at your side.

Whether you live in a nursing home, retirement center or in your own house, pets have a place in your life.