You are never lonely
Many people who live alone with a pet are said to be significantly less lonely than those who do not have pets. Old Age Homes have even begun using Pet Therapy programs for their residents. Pets are brought in to interact with the elderly, and during the interaction, the patients are more relaxed, and not focused on loneliness or pain.
Pets lower stress
No matter how bad your day has been, you can not help but have your spirits lifted by the nuzzle of a wet nose, or the sound of purring in your ear. When you lower stress, you also lower blood pressure. Researchers have found that the simple act of petting a dog or cat can slow your heart rate and cause your blood pressure to drop.
Pets help our immune system
For years we heard that children brought up with pets in the home were more likely to have allergies or asthma. However, further studies show that children raised with animals actually build stronger immune systems than those without pets in the home.
Pet owners get more exercise
Caring for a pet will give you some extra exercise, whether it is taking Fido for a walk , grooming your cat, or cleaning your bird cage. Some insurance companies actually give lower rates to seniors who own pets, believing that they are healthier than those who don`t.
We recover faster
In addition to lowering stress as well as blood pressure, studies show that pet owners are more likely to recover from serious illnesses like stroke or heart attack. Pet owners are also shown to makeless frequent doctor and hospital visits.
Very informative and well done article. I believe these claims too. In all my years, I have never lived without at least one pet and often when I return home from an outing they are where I head first. The groceries and other parcels can wait until I have had a little "hello-I'm-home-and-I-love-you-too" time.