Holistic Pets and Your Health

Pet owners know there's nothing like the warm nuzzle of a furry friend to lift the spirits.

Ongoing research continues to show that dogs, cats, and even rodents and reptiles can make you happier, healthier and less prone to stress and anxiety. Here are just a few of the ways pets provide wonderful moral support, companionship and stress relief:

Pets Improve Your Mood

If you've ever seen a pair of irresistible puppy dog eyes, or felt the gentle purr of a contented cat, then you already know that happy pets make for happy people. In fact, research shows that pets can even help alleviate depression. A recent study of AIDS patients found that those with pets were significantly less likely to suffer from depression than those without. Psychologist and lead author Judith Siegel speculates that the emotional bond between pets and their owners is partially responsible for the effect: "Pet ownership is not necessarily a substitute for human support, but it's another way to express and receive love."

Pets Are Good For Your Heart

There is plenty of medical evidence to support the cardiovascular benefits of pet ownership. For example, a University of Buffalo study of 48 stockbrokers with high blood pressure showed that dog and cat owners had lower blood pressure than those who had no pets. Other studies show that heart attack patients who own pets survive longer than those without. In fact, the simple act of petting a dog or cat can immediately lower blood pressure.

Pets Encourage You to Exercise

Exercise is a great way to release tension, and what better way to get your body moving than by taking Fido for a walk in the great outdoors? The fresh air will clear your had and the exercise will get your blood pumping, both great cures for anxiety, not to mention the companionship provided by your pooch. Even cats, guinea pigs, snakes and hamsters encourage activity by simply requiring care and attention. When playing with your pets, don't forget to laugh -- joy is one of the best stress-busters around.

Pets Provide Unconditional Love

Many people attribute stress to feelings of isolation. Pets, however, are a reliable source of constant companionship, especially when humans can't be found. Researchers at Saint Louis University recently found that pets may be even more nurturing than people. "Nursing home residents found a little quiet time with the pooch is a lot nicer than spending time with a dog and other people," said study author William Banks. By simply being with people and providing unconditional love, pets are a powerful way to combat loneliness and stress.

Pets are Great Listeners

Sometimes getting over a stressful situation is as simple as talking it through with a friend. In this way, pets are unparalleled listeners because they won't judge or mock your feelings. In fact, a recent study at the State University of New York showed that talking to a pet might be even more helpful than talking with a best friend or spouse. "While the idea of a pet as social support may appear to some as a peculiar notion," says lead author Karen Allen, "our participants' responses to stress suggest to us that social support can indeed cross species."

Pet ownership isn't for everyone, and if you're not an animal person a pet can be more stressful than not. But if you're a sucker for puppy eyes or cuddly kittens and you're trying to reduce stress in your life, a pet may be just the way to kill the blues and give you support when you need it.

If and when you decide to become a pet owner, be sure to visit your local animal shelter, the SPCA, or PetFinder.com to adopt a pet in need of a loving home. PetFinder is a wonderful resource that pools animal shelters and rescue societies together for your adopting convenience.

For more information on holistic pets, visit the EnvyMyHealth.com Pets Channel!

For more information on stress management, visit the EnvyMyHealth.com Stress Management Channel!

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