Family Health
The Health Benefits of Pets Did you know that there are more pets living in Australia than people and that two thirds of households have at least one pet? There is nothing better than coming home and receiving an enthusiastic welcome from your four legged friend. Research has shown that owning a pet has benefits for both our physical and mental wellbeing. People with pets have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and pet owners report less depression and cope better with stress than non-pet owners.
Great for kids
Unconditional love
Pets can be important in children lives as they provide companionship and help them to develop a sense of responsibility they carry through to adulthood. A study of children found those that grew up with pets were more empathetic and had higher self-esteem. Being around dogs during infancy has been shown to strengthen the immune system and may reduce the risk of allergies.
No one will love you more unconditionally than your pet. They never disagree with you and always accept you for exactly who you are. No matter what you’ve done or what has happened that day – a stressful day with the kids, a fight with your partner – they are there to give us attention and affection. Spending quality time even just snuggling up with a pet in front of the TV can make you feel wanted and needed.
Great socialisers
Life long family friends
Pets are also great conversation starters! Taking your dog for a walk almost always leads to a conversation or a hello from someone new. They can enhance our social connectedness and build friendships.
Finally, pets can bring us closer together. Families can spend quality time together caring for and playing with a pet as well as including them in social activities. Life in the modern family world is often hectic with work, school, and extracurricular activities. A well cared for and loved family pet can provide much needed stress relief, physical benefits, and family bonding time.
Great to keep family members active Dogs in particular are great motivators to get moving and enjoying the outdoors. Keeping us moving and active can help us avoid many major health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. There may not be time to go for a long walk with but even a game of ball in the backyard with a dog is guaranteed to leave you both with a smile on your face.
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Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016
Dr Alex Hynes from Animal Emergency Service Brisbane is passionate about animals, their care and their treatment when sick or injured. Read more about her services here: www.dralexhynes.com.au