Sunday, September 20, 2009

Live A Long Happy Life - But Only If You Have A Pet!

By Dave Vernon

Did you know that owning a cat can decrease your chances of having a heart attack by up to 30%? Studies have found that this simple solution can improve your health and decrease the risks of heart attacks and other diseases. Owning a pet can extend your life, so adding a kitten or puppy to your household can help you live longer. There have been reports of amazing feats by dogs and cats, but this is one that bears looking into.

While pets are good for any age, the aging population is particularly affected by pet ownership. When social networks begin to slow down, having a cat jump on your lap and ask for attention causes the owner to feel needed. The responsibility of caring for a pet also provides purpose. Once children have grown and moved away, it can keep the onset of depression at bay.

Owning a cat is good for your health. In spite of the annoyances that come along with pet ownership - the scratching of the furniture, the weekly litter box cleaning, and accidents you may have to clean up - studies have consistently shown lowered blood pressure and cholesterol. This is truer for cat owners than dog owners, although no explanation can be found. Pet owners are also more active, since they have to keep up with their animals needs. This provides a less sedentary lifestyle, leading to better health through physical activity.

Now we are not saying, just drop everything and go out and buy any old 'big eyed' dog or cat at the local shelter. There are some things that might detract from a happy experience if not taken into account. For instance, pets require special care such as flea and tick medication. Dogs need heart worm medication; accidents can require trips to the vet. Money is one of the biggest causes of stress in a person's life. So be sure the individual can properly care for their pet and not become stressed out over occasional costs. Food, litter, toys and proper enclosures can quickly pile up. If such matters can be accommodated then the benefits of pet ownership are well worth the investment.

Now if a person is stressed out because he or she is always busy and on the run, you might think twice before adding to that lifestyle. After all, it would not be fair to obtain a pet and then not have time to give it the care and time they need. After all, owning an animal requires time and affection on both sides. Dogs are like children, they need constant attention, especially if they are an only dog. Dogs will often not eat when their owner is not at home. So if you like long vacations and would not plan on bringing Fido with you, could cause health problems for your pet. Cats on the other hand usually take such things much better. Needed less personal attention they can be a better choice for a busier person.

Sometimes, it is more than health reasons that makes you want to take a pet in, it might be what they bring as your constant companion. The joy that an animal can bring comes from knowing you are loved. If you visit a shelter and find an animal that steals your heart, you can save the animal from death and maybe save your own life in the process. Saving two lives at once is something most pet owners don't think of initially, but sometimes that is what happens, when they decide to get a pet.

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