Pets Promote Adolescent Health (And The Whole Family)

Whether dogs, cats, or guinea pigs, they all promote our health in many ways. The time we are in contact with our pets is good for our souls and strengthens our bodies. Our pets are family members. They greet us with undivided joy when we come home and purr, bark or squeak when they want to convey emotions. Even if our four-legged friends sometimes keep us on our toes, this is a real stroke of luck for us two-legged friends, because the animals have a positive effect on our physical and mental health. The study results of the American Heart Association (AHA) in the medical journal “Circulation” confirm what every animal lover would unreservedly subscribe to. Pets ensure:

  • less cardiovascular disease
  • better physical and mental well-being
  • lower risk of asthma and allergies

Pets keep you fit

Lack of exercise is one of the biggest disease factors in modern society. It is therefore obvious that daily walks with the dog ensure more exercise and thus make an active contribution to health. Regular exercise helps in the fight against chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, bronchitis, or diabetes.

Pets are good for the soul

Animals encourage their owners to laugh and put them in a good mood. The effusive greeting upon returning home or the heartbreaking look when begging for treats, all of this ultimately activates our brain’s reward center.

Every pet owner could probably describe similar moments. Our pets ensure that we are focused on the moment and leave the stress of everyday life behind for a while. In the presence of a peacefully sleeping animal, hustle and bustle have no place. This makes us happier and more balanced in the long term. This is one of the reasons why animals are also used for therapeutic purposes.

Autistic children experience how a living being approaches them in an uninhibited manner and enjoys their attention. In geriatrics or in nursing homes, pets give structure, they provide topics of conversation and bring life and happiness to an often monotonous everyday life.

Children and animal allergies

Of course, animal hair can trigger allergies. The immune system reacts hypersensitively to certain substances. Runny nose, itchy eyes, rashes, coughing, and breathing issues are all symptoms of allergies. If your child shows more of these allergic reactions, these could lead to asthma.

Most people are aware of the close relationship between pets and people with allergies. While it is true that animals may cause allergies, they generally don’t. In fact, in the best case, they help to reduce the risk of allergies in children. Pets help boost the immune system by adapting to the child’s environment, through the animal’s hair, dander, and saliva. They also help to reduce the stress level of the child, who can focus on the pet and not on the symptoms of an allergy.

Which pet is right for me?

Despite all the health-promoting effects for the owner, the animals have their own needs and need a lot of attention and space to be kept in a species-appropriate manner. What many forget: pets cost money, and veterinary costs are cheaper than medical doctors, but add up even with small animals. So if you are planning on getting a pet for your family, it is important to talk it over first with everyone in the household. Having pets is a great responsibility. It’s like having another baby in the house that needs good pet food like Royal Canin for dogs and cats.

So if you and your family are ready to have another member in the household then talk among yourselves if a cat or a dog, or a hamster is the most appropriate.