Owning a pet is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, fewer visits to the doctor, and a reduced risk of asthma and allergies in young children.
There may even be less absenteeism from school through sickness among children who live with pets.
We have to get up to walk the dog, have to leave the house to take dogs for walks and in my case have to buy cat food or go look for Hemingway!
Explanations for the association between pet ownership and human health include social benefits and emotional support. Numerous studies have shown that support from pets may mirror some of the elements of human relationships known to contribute to health.
However, conflict between health and pet ownership can arise. It seems that pet owners would disregard advice to get rid of a pet because of allergies, while there are older people avoiding medical care through fear of being admitted to hospital or residential care as this often means giving up a pet.
Also - vet bills are extraordinarily expensive - when Hemingway had an eye infection, it cost me so much money ... I had to open a savings account to ensure this never happens again.
People do not own pets specifically to enhance their health, rather they value the relationship and the contribution their pet makes to their quality of life. Greater understanding among health professionals is therefore needed to assure people that they do not need to choose between pet ownership and compliance with health advice.
Someone will always be happy to look after your pet if something happens to you, a neighbour or a young responsible teenager who you can pay for their time. And depending on where you live, you may be able to re adopt if need be.
Having a pet, worrying about a pet and owning a pet is so beneficial .... this is only one opinion.
What is yours?
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