Pleasing 4 Pets

Caring for a pet has often been reported to enhance your sense of well being and can provide you with a natural psychological boost. Animal companions such as cats and dogs are accepting and non-judgmental friends who grant their owners unconditional love. They offer warmth and affection, and can help to improve self-esteem. A well chosen pet can bring you a sense of purpose and encourage exercise. They also offer great opportunities to meet new people and make friends. In other words, cats and dogs can have a positive influence on the emotional and physical health of their owners.

Various research and analysis has confirmed that in almost every situation, primary interaction between humans elevates the heart rate, respiration and blood pressure. By comparison, interacting with a pet typically reduces the levels of blood pressure in both the animal and their owner, this in turn can help to relieve anxiety and stress or tension since the fear of disapproval or criticism does not exist in a pet-owner relationship.

A recent survey showed that 70% those who took part sought comfort from a pet when feeling unhappy. Whilst 90 % spoke to their pets, 75% reportedly felt that having a pet increased their overall contentment.

Pets have been used as far back as the 18th century in the UK when they were found to be beneficial to the well-being of mental patients, with many tending farm animals as a form of early therapy. Today, animal-facilitated therapy programmes are used as rehabilitation for a vast range of patients, including the mentally ill, physically and developmentally disabled people, emotionally traumatized adults and children, the elderly and many terminally ill patients. There have been numerous cases of unresponsive and withdrawn patients in Psychiatric Hospitals who have begun to interact with visitors or staff after being involved in animal-facilitated therapy programmes.

But it is important to remember that the pet-owner bond is not always unquestionable and cannot be guaranteed by the fact that people and animals live together. The relationship between the two must be nurtured to ensure a bond is developed. Without this the animal may well suffer, whilst the owner will draw little or no benefit from the match.

If you are considering adopting a cat or dog, it is important to reflect on how the animal will be integrated into your everyday routine. Not all lifestyles are conducive to the ownership of a pet and you should bear in mind that your pet will be a permanent family member. That said, taking on the responsibility of a pet will reward you with the pleasurable experience of a pet-owner relationship.