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Whether it's a cuddle after a long day or a walk in nature on a beautiful afternoon, our pets are precious everyday partners. Anyone who has experienced the unconditional love a pet can offer knows how invaluable that support is.
But did you know that in addition to this emotional support, pets can provide us with positive physical effects?
The relationship between humans and their pets continues to be the subject of research, and some recent studies offer very encouraging results.
Stress management
Stress is a normal and natural reaction. However, in today's society, it can easily become chronic. Overwork, global health problems, and many other factors contribute to excessive stress. Managing stress in a healthy way is essential. Spending time with pets is a great way to decompress.
Snuggling, petting, and interacting with your pet can reduce cortisol levels and lessen the fight-or-flight stress response. It has been established that up to 80% of all GP visits are stress-related. Therefore, taking time to play with your dog after work can be beneficial for both you and your dog.
Additionally, we release oxytocin (also known as the "feel-good hormone") when we interact with a pet. Oxytocin plays a significant role in happiness. We know it's good for cognitive function, heart health, social interaction and relationships, and overall well-being. It can even help control addictions.
Weight control
Owning a pet that needs exercise can increase your own physical activity throughout the day, which is helpful for weight management.
According to various studies, dog owners walk more per week on average than people who don't have dogs, and their activity is also more intense.
Cardiovascular health
Bonding with a pet can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health, particularly through the regulation of blood pressure.
Long-term stress can have detrimental effects on the heart. Cats and dogs have been shown to help reduce stress, which can lead to heart disease.
Besides blood pressure, lower cholesterol and diabetes levels were also observed in pet owners.
Diverse microbiome
The microbiome (which is involved in the creation of neurotransmitters, digestion, and immunity) is crucial to overall health. Pets can play a vital role in this cluster of microbes.
Pet owners may have more beneficial bacteria, viruses, and fungi in their bodies, largely thanks to the germs and dander their pets bring in from outside.
This phenomenon exists in adults as well as children, but it can be remarkably helpful for infants developing their microbiome, particularly during the first three months. Individuals who develop a robust microbiome during childhood are less likely to suffer from asthma and allergies if they are exposed to beneficial allergens early in life.
Owning a pet offers many benefits, and the effects studied by science on the physical level are increasingly recognized as extremely valuable.
So, the next time your dog shows you he wants to go for a walk, take him for a walk to thank him for everything he does for you.