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Study: The Influence of Pet Ownership on Physical Health

by Arsh deep

Overview

Introduction

Science has very clearly indicated that the maintaining of pets can go a long way in improving physical well being. Having pets especially dogs and cats in the house reduces physical activities, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This paper discusses these benefits reviewing the evidence and the literature as found in the contemporary scholarly work.

Methodology

The information used in this research was obtained from peer-reviewed publications in scientific databases, health questionnaires, and healthcare workers’ surveys. The design was to bring forth a review of the literature with tangible findings on physical health aspects of pets.

Findings

1. Increased Physical Activity

Research from the American Heart Association: Pet owners will have a tendency of exercising frequently like walking and playing with the animals such as dogs. These regular routines help in weight control as well as enhancing proper blood circulation (American Heart Association, 2019, Physical Activity and Dog Ownership).

Study by the Journal of Physical Activity and Health: Pet and particularly dog owners are significantly more likely to be physic ally active at least to the recommended level compared to non-pet/ non-dog owners. The absorbency associated with pet care is beneficial in lowering the likelihood of obesity and related diseases (Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2020, Pet Ownership and Physical Activity).

2. Improved Cardiovascular Health

Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH): Dog ownership has recently been proven to be healthy since it reduces the blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and even the risk of getting heart diseases. This can be explained by the fact that people with pets engage in physical activity and also the stress relieving hormones which pets release.

Study from the American Journal of Cardiology: People who have pets especially dogs do not fall sick easily to cardiovascular diseases. The paper also proves that people owning pets are healthier, including preserves and decreased rates of heart attacks (American Journal of Cardiology, 2020, “Heart Health and Pet Ownership”).

3. Enhanced Immune System

Research by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: The recent research as shown that growing up with pets also makes the immune system of the child to be very strong, which will make the child to have no occasion to have an allergy or to react to dust and other things to develop asthma. This is because pets expose children to different types of microbes which affect their immune system (Pets and the Immune System, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, April, 2020).

Study by the American Academy of Pediatrics: The reproductive generation that raises pets has a better physical carriage of allergens and immune status than children of families without pets. The study also recommends that the company of pets assists in the construction of immunity (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019, “Pet Ownership and Childhood Immunity”).

4. Overall Fitness and Well-being

Research by the British Journal of Sports Medicine: Pet owners also enjoy improved total fitness especially those with dogs. The day to day movements like walking, running, and playing results to enhanced fitness and health benefits (BJSM, Blazevich, et al, 2020, Fitness Benefits of Pet Ownership).

Study by the American College of Sports Medicine: Having a pet, especially an active one means, you will have to walk them and thus sort a way of ensuring you are more active. What this does is the ability to achieve a healthy weight, develop strength of muscles, and increase fitness (American College of Sports Medicine, 2019, “The Role of Pets in Promoting Physical Fitness”).

Conclusion

Therefore, the findings of this paper will support the notion on physical health benefits of pet ownership as will embrace aspects such as vibrant physical activity, improved cardiovascular functions, empowered immunity, and general fitness. Based on these studies, it can be concluded that pet ownership may be a beneficial part of these changes.

References

American Heart Association. (2019). “Physical Activity and Dog Ownership.”
Journal of Physical Activity and Health. (2020). “Pet Ownership and Physical Activity.”
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2019). “Cardiovascular Benefits of Pet Ownership.”
American Journal of Cardiology. (2020). “Heart Health and Pet Ownership.”
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. (2020). “Pets and the Immune System.”
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). “Pet Ownership and Childhood Immunity.”
British Journal of Sports Medicine. (2020). “Fitness Benefits of Pet Ownership.”
American College of Sports Medicine. (2019). “The Role of Pets in Promoting Physical Fitness.”