Having a pet can benefit your health, notes Grumpy Editor.
“Scientifically documented benefits of the human-animal bond include decreased Blood Pressure, reduced anxiety, and enhanced feelings of well-being,” reports the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). “Positive human-animal interaction appears to be related to changes in physiological variables both in humans and animals, particularly dogs.”
HABRI research shows that a human-animal bond can reduce arterial pressure and cardiorespiratory rates. It adds, the presence of a pet can increase your body’s production of the so-called love hormone, oxytocin, causing physiological changes that include lowering blood pressure, inhibiting stress hormones and creating a sense of calm and focus.
Other research finds long-term pet ownership may help keep cognitive skills sharp as you age, slowing the decline in verbal memory.
A study by the University of Florida, the University of Michigan and Virginia Commonwealth University finds cognitive scores decline slower in pet owners, particularly those with long-term ownership.
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