Explain Why It Is Important To Take Care Of Pets Essay

Pets Take Care of Owners

Many people consider animals as a part of the family. Pets are fun and can be a great addition to many homes. Although, owning an animal can come with many added benefits other than just having a cute and furry friend to play with. People who own pets, may see an increase in their overall quality of life compared to non-pet owners. Pets are a great way to improve the physical, social, and mental health of their owners.

Pets can improve social health in a variety of ways. Showing devotion to and caring for a pet is a great way to improve the social and emotional aspects of a person (Grady). Those who are introverted can always have a quiet and attentive friend to talk to. Animals do not judge you and are always willing

to listen and please their owner. This can help people who are affected by social anxiety. Bringing a pet with them to an uncomfortable setting will help them relax, because they are accompanied by a trusted confidante (Grady). Pets are also a great conversation topic and talking with other animal lovers would be an easy and comfortable subject to converse about (Flowers 10). If someone has a pet with them, it may make them more approachable and it will allow for good social interaction for the person and the animal.

Pets can also help children who have social problems or disabilities. Some children have difficulty connecting with and socializing with their peers. An animal, such as a dog can be a great solution to this problem. If a child plays to aggressive with others, they can have a dog to practice playing nice with. If the child is too rough with the dog, it will run away. The child will

soon learn that if they are gentle and kind with the dog, it will result in the dog wanting to play and interact with them (Fischman). In return, the child will bring that behavior onto the playground with them, and hopefully learn the correct way to behave and play with others. Also, if a child has trouble reading aloud, an animal can be an attentive listener, as the animal will not judge them or make fun of their struggle with reading. When the child becomes more content with reading, they will then be able to comfortably read aloud during class. Pets can help children with autism, as well. Some children with autism may have less social stress playing with an animal than playing with other children. If a child has a trusted pet with them while socializing with fellow classmates, it may make the child more calm and will allow for them to open up more to others.

Pets are a great way to improve the mental health of an individual. According to Hugh Grady, author of Pets and Mental Health, "No matter the context, pets have a positive effect on the mental health and well being of their owners". Pet owners who engage in physical activity with their pet experience an increase in the hormones that make a person feel happy (Dayton). Even petting an animal for a short period of time, can release the chemicals that reduce stress (Flowers 6). For people who feel isolated or alone, a pet can give them a sense of companionship. This can also make them feel as if they have a loyal friend who would always be willing to spend time with them. Animals can help those who suffer from depression, also. Pets can help people who do not think they belong by giving them something that brings more meaning to their life. Overall, pets help to improve the happiness of owners, so owning a pet can be a joyful experience that can bring more delight to someone's life.

Animals have a positive impact on physical health. One simple way that animals improve physical health is by motivating a person to exercise more. Many species of animals require daily

exercise to stay healthy, as do humans. A way to participate in physical activity more, is by exercising with a pet (Flowers 8). Doing this will make exercise more enjoyable for those who do not enjoy it, and it will allow a person and their pet to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Physically active pet owners have a better chance of meeting daily exercise requirements (Dayton). Owning a pet can also reduce blood pressure, not only by exercising more, but by lowering stress levels."In another study, pet owners with high blood pressure who were confronted with stress had smaller spikes in their blood pressure than did non-dog owners, even though both groups were on the same blood pressure medication"(Fischman). Also, pet owners who have survived heart attacks are shown to live longer than their non-pet owning counterparts (Flowers 5).

Animals can also positively effect the health of children. It has been proven that being around animals can stabilize a child's immune system (Fischman).This means that pet-owning children are less likely to get ill than their peers who do not own pets. This is due to the fact that young children's immune system is still developing. If they are around the germs and bacteria that comes with owning a pet, they will develop an immunity to the illnesses that are associated with that bacteria. Also, young people who have grown up in a house with animals since they were babies are less likely to get asthma and allergies (Flowers 11-12).

Animals can help people with physical disabilities. Animal therapy can help people who suffer from muscles and joint problems. "It turns out that the natural, rhythmic movement of horse and rider is now recognized to be more effective and more beneficial as a muscle and joint therapy than many other therapies devised by medical science" (Crawford and Pomerinke 12). Animals are known to be good service providers for people with disabilities. Seeing eye dogs, for example, can help blind people live a normal and productive life. People who are wheelchair

bound find that service dogs are an excellent way to be independent, but they can still receive that extra help when they need it. Dogs can also detect when a person with epilepsy is going to have a seizure or when a person with diabetes' blood sugar is getting too low.(Flowers 13-24). This can help these people become aware of when they need to seek help and can help them prepare for a potential medical emergency.

Animals who visit hospitals and nursing homes are very important in the healing of patients.

Animals can help hospital patients meet rehabilitation goals (Fischman). In addition, pets can make the healing process more bearable. Animals can also provide quiet, yet successful support to patients and their families during the rehabilitation of an injury or illness. They can cheer up patients who are going through rough times and can be a reliable friend in a sometimes sad setting. It is remarkable the miracles that can be made when a caring and loving animal is by someone's side through the long journey. There have been times where a hospital patient was unconscious for months, but when their hand was placed on the back of a dog, they woke up, wondering what they were touching (Fischman). Also if someone who is in the hospital is feeling down or depressed, a visiting animal can help perk them up, and hopefully make their recovery easier and faster. Visiting animals can also help those who are in a nursing home to feel less lonely and less stressed. Nursing home patients with Alzheimer's have proven to be more calm when in the presence of an animal. Studies have shown that they get less agitated and comply easier with instructions when around an animal

(Fischman).

Owning a pet can be very rewarding. The pet owners are not the only ones who have something they are responsible for taking care of. Pets have to take care of their owner, as well. Many people think of owning a pet as something that is purely for entertainment and fun. While that is a big part of pet owning, animals are so much more. They are caretakers when someone

needs them. They are creatures that will cheer someone up when they are down. Animals are an important members of many families for many reasons, including helping people live a healthier and happier life. Animals will love their owner unconditionally, no matter what, and are always willing to help a friend in need.