As anyone who has ever loved a companion animal can tell you, pets make people feel good. In the past, however, there was no scientific evidence to back this up. Well now there is. Studies done in the last decade have proven that owning pets can be beneficial to human health in many ways.
As The Center for Disease Control’s website states, owning pets can lower people’s blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as provide opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities and socialization.
There are other benefits as well. A 2002 study released by the American Medical Association stated that children raised from birth in multiple pet households may be less likely to develop allergic illnesses, such as asthma, allergies and eczema. Apparently, being exposed to the “germs” of dogs and cats early in life helps build the immune system.
A foundation called the Delta Society focuses exclusively on harnessing the power of the human-animal health connection. Their mission is to unite Americans with mental and physical illnesses and disabilities with trained therapy animals. A comprehensive collection of studies related to the health benefits of pet ownership can be found on their website (www.deltasociety.org). These studies show that pets have helped people cope with a myriad of issues, from trauma to attachment disorders to autism.
Although veterinarians have probably always intuitively known that animals do people good, The American Veterinary Medical Association now recognizes the importance of the human-animal bond, and has issued a statement supporting the health benefits of animal companionship for people.
So, pet owners take heart – the next time you wince at Rover’s vet bill or plop down a $50 bill for that kitty condo, look at it not only as a sign that you are a responsible pet owner, but as insurance for your future health.
April 20–26, 2008
Imagine how powerful we could be if everyone reading this would just take a few minutes to engage in even one action for animals in labs during World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAIL)! Please, make a commitment today to take action for animals in laboratories — it could be as simple as making a phone call or writing a letter. Here are just a few ways to help animals during WWAIL: Take part in IDA’s Call-In Days to National Institutes of Health (NIH) during WWAIL to ask them to put an end to the use of animals in nicotine experiments. Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Organize an event in your area such as a demonstration or educational table. Volunteer to set up a “Memorial Field” display that will solemnly commemorate the millions of animals who die in the name of science. Adopt an activist — help make our demos successful without ever leaving your computer!
For more information, visit the WWAIL web site.