Diet & Fitness Blog

By eDiets Staff

They jump all over you. They put anything and everything into their mouths, then happily lick you all over the face. They hump your guests, scratch your furniture, fill your vacuum cleaner with hair, make you take them for walks, feed them, bathe them, buy them toys, and what do they give you in return?

How about unconditional love, companionship, attention, trust, peace, friendship and devotion? On top of that, they don't pass judgment or criticize.

I'm talking about your pets. The benefits of their wagging tails, pattering paws and fluffy huggable furs are immeasurable. Science is just beginning to uncover what pet owners have known for hundreds of years: The companionship of animals is inherently different from human camaraderie -- and it can improve our psychological and physical well-being.

Pets have been found to help lower a person's blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as lessen anxiety, increase survival rates in groups of patients who have suffered cardiac arrest, boost immunity and help ward off depression. The National Institutes of Health found that people with pets make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions.

Next time your dog stares at you and begs you to take him or her for a walk, you better thank them. While you may think you're doing your pup a favor by taking a stroll, your animal companion is helping you out.

The walk in the park may be just what your heart needs. Studies show people who own pets have better physical health because they have to exercise and care for their pets.

There are no doggone bones about it; Pets have a definitive positive effect on human health. Those puppy-dog eyes and mysterious kitty purrs really do have healing powers. It's easy to see why pets are owned by millions of Americans. Check out these 10 fun things you can do with our best friends:

1. Go backpacking: Dogs love to take trips, too. Taking a dog on the trail can be loads of fun. Just make sure to carry a first-aid kit and pack enough water.

2. Teach your pet tricks: Go to training classes. You can meet new people with similar pets and bond with your pooch.

3. Go to a dog park: Play catch or go canoeing. Both are great ways to burn calories.

4. Get moving: Take a walk or go for a jog with your pup.

5. Play hide and seek with your cat: Cats are great at hiding. Plus, pets love the attention.

6. Learn more about your pet: Discover learn the different types of breeds and species and find out the origins. Watch a few fish swim lazily or watch your hamster or guinea pig as they play with their toys. All of these activities are relaxing and fascinating.

7. Blaze new trails: Do this with your horse, and pack a picnic in the saddlebags.

8. Find out what's going on around your area: Look for clubs that organize play days, clinics and shows. Check out what fun pet events are taking place in your neighborhood.

9. Show off your pet online: Enter contests with the best pet picture, and meet others with similar pets.

10. Take your animal to health-care facilities: Help others by sharing your pet. Visiting with animals can help people feel less lonely and less depressed. People become more active and responsive both during and after visiting with animals.

Like this post? Check out these, too:
-- Face the Music: Upbeat Songs Can Lower Blood Pressure
-- Healthy Addiction: Shiba Inu Puppy Cam
-- Are We Killing Our Pets?

Labels: health, healthy, healthy living, pet health, pets