Living together lowers blood pressure and prevents heart disease... The health benefits of pets

Interaction with pets helps manage blood pressure

Bonding with pets also helps in managing blood pressure. According to related studies, people who keep pets have lower blood pressure and heart rate during rest compared to those who do not. Another study shows that when hypertensive individuals pet a dog, their blood pressure decreases. Interacting with pets lowers blood pressure and can help manage hypertension.

◆ Stress relief, just looking at it makes me happy

Just looking at cute puppies or kittens naturally makes me smile and feel good. All pets, including fish and hamsters, are the same. Interacting with pets for just a few minutes quickly relaxes the mind and boosts happiness due to their adorable nature. This is because the level of the stress hormone cortisol decreases, while the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good, increases.

◆ Raising pets reduces cholesterol and triglycerides

Having pets such as dogs or cats can help lower cholesterol levels. People who keep pets tend to have better levels of cholesterol and triglycerides compared to those who do not, although the exact reason is not clear. It may be due not only to the happiness provided by the presence of pets but also because caring for pets encourages more physical activity.

◆ Reduced risk of death due to heart disease

Having a pet can help with heart disease. According to a related study conducted over 20 years, people who have never owned a cat were 40% more likely to die from a heart attack than those who have owned one. Overall, pet owners showed a lower likelihood of death from heart diseases, including heart failure.

Help for mental illnesses such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Unlike human relationships, the relationship with pets is one of unconditional love and trust. Dogs and cats do not deceive or betray, and they show unconditional affection. In fact, the love received from pets alone can help alleviate and recover from depression. Simply petting a dog or cat and sharing silent communication reduces stress and is effective in easing depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.