Find out how heart-happy our four-legged friends can make us.
Pets are a part of the family. Our furry, feathery, and scaly friends bring us a lot of laughter and joy, but there is something else they may be able to do – help us live longer. According to several studies, pets can lengthen our lives. After reading what pets can do for us, you may consider adopting a pet today!
Heart health
Pets seem to have a strong influence on their humans’ hearts. Compared to those who don’t own dogs, dog owners are much more likely to still be alive one year after a heart attack, regardless of how severe it was. In another study, researchers found that cat owners had a decreased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Petting a dog or cat has the ability to lower people’s heart rate and blood pressure.
Studies have even found that simply having your pet in the room can have a positive effect. One study found that having one’s dog in the room lowered heart rates under stress more than blood pressure medication.
Additional benefits
Alongside all of the heart benefits, pets have been shown to have a positive impact on depression, self-esteem, stress, and loneliness. This can be particularly important for elderly people, which is why there are many successful pet therapy programs in nursing homes across the nation.
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