People chose to keep animals as pets because they love them, and take responsibility for them. They frequently intervene in their lives and interact with them regularly. The primary purpose of keeping a pet is not to earn a living, but to provide a companion for a person. It also serves as an object of emotional ties. NIH recently funded large surveys to identify the variety of pets that people keep. This article describes the most common types of pets, and their relationship to health.
NIH funding large-scale surveys to find out the range of pets people live with
The NIH is funding large-scale surveys to better understand the health benefits and burdens of pet ownership. The purpose is to gain more information about the types of animals and their interactions with humans. The agency wants to tap into the subjective quality of the relationship people have with animals, and that a pet can help alleviate anxiety. This is especially true of therapy dogs, which are often brought to nursing homes and hospitals to reduce anxiety and stress.
While the health benefits of pet ownership are widely recognized, new research is shedding light on the role of companion animals in the health network. Moreover, new evidence reveals the importance of pets in improving quality of life and fostering social interaction. Fortunately, recent studies have proven that pets can improve mental health and quality of life and should be viewed alongside other human relationships.
Relationships with pets and health
Interestingly, relationships with pets and health are closely linked. Research has shown that human-animal interactions are associated with lower blood pressure, increased physical activity, and reduced stress levels. Moreover, animal-human interaction has been shown to lower blood pressure in couples. Furthermore, pet-human interaction also increases levels of stress-modulating hormones, such as cortisol, which is associated with metabolism and reduces inflammation. And, in addition to these benefits, pet-human interactions also increase the levels of dopamine, a chemical mood-booster.
Despite the benefits of having a pet, the relationship is often seen as a one-way street. Though a pet’s main goal is to satisfy the needs of its human owner, the benefits of living with an animal go far beyond mere companionship. Research has shown that the presence of an animal can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, increase blood oxytocin levels, and reduce direct pain. In fact, one study found that people who had pets were 15% less likely to die from heart disease than those who did not have any pets.
Common types of pets
Dogs and cats are among the most popular pets, and people enjoy having them for many different reasons. Many people have them for their loyalty, friendliness, playfulness, or attention. Dogs and cats come in all shapes and sizes, and are easy to train. There are many different types of breeds of dogs and cats, including mixed breeds that come from local shelters. And if you want to add a little spice to your home, you can adopt a bird or a reptile!
Cats and dogs are considered common pets, but other animals are classified as exotic pets. Many landlords do not allow people to keep animals in apartments, and may require a substantial deposit to keep one. Small aquatic animals and reptiles may be considered less offensive to landlords, as they are not as messy and won’t cause damage to their property. But regardless of the animal, if you want a pet, you can find the perfect companion.