May 20th, 2009 
Christina Pankrella Pets: you can love and hate them at the same time. One moment theyre sinking their teeth into your expensive shoes, and the next, they shower you with affection. But regardless of what they do and how you feel about them, there is no denying that there are various health advantages of having a pet:
1) – Decreased stress levels and blood pressure. Research conducted by the University of Warwick has revealed that, in many cases, stroking or playing with a pet relaxes the person and lowers their blood pressure. In another study, researchers tested whether pets had this effect on stockbrokers who had high blood pressure. It was found that stockbrokers that were pet owners had a significantly lower blood pressure reading than those who were not. Of course, you have to like animals in order for this to ring true; if you are nervous or afraid then pets will probably make you more anxious as opposed to more relaxed.
2) – Recovery from illness. Pets have been known to help people in miraculous ways, but the most common success stories involve heart attack patients. Many studies have shown that pet owners who have suffered from a heart attack survive longer than those who dont, and have a lower risk of heart disease. Pets also offer a certain amount of social support for someone who someone who spends a lot of time in bed recovering from a disease or surgery, which contributes to a speedy recovery.
Pets have also been recommended by some surgeons whose patients have fallen into a coma. While there is no substantial scientific research that proves this, the mere presence of a pet at the bedside of a person has helped patients emerge from a coma. Dogs, in particular have also been known to minimize the symptoms of Parkinsons and Alzheimers.
3) – Improvement in social life. Most domesticated animals are highly social creatures, and are therefore great company. Whether it is a dog that follows you around the house, or a cat that rubs up against your legs, pet owners have a constant source of social interaction. Pets can also be great conversation topics both in and outside the home.
4) – Happiness. People often understand how happy a pet can make us: they help us deal with pain and loss, stick with us through our frustrations, and have even helped people combat depression. Some psychologists have used pets in their therapy sessions, because stroking a cat, rabbit, or dog raises proven to boost the brains serotonin levels. Being greeted at the door by an ecstatic dog or a purring cat when you come home from work every day can really raise your self-esteem, especially if you are having a bad day. This is also why pets are sometimes used in elderly homes ” their mere presence disperses any loneliness or isolation.
Regardless of whether you break up with a loved one or lose your job, your pet will love you no matter what; and that, in itself, is an essential quality that human beings cannot live without.
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