Pets can provide numerous benefits to human health, including improving mental health, reducing stress, and promoting physical activity. Here are the top 5 pets with the most benefits to human health.
Recommend pets which are most beneficial to human health
1. Dog
Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, and for good reason. Dogs provide numerous health benefits to their owners, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: A study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that bringing dogs to work can reduce stress levels in employees.
- Promoting physical activity: Owning a dog can encourage regular exercise and help maintain a healthy weight.
- Lowering blood pressure: According to the American Heart Association, owning a dog can reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.
A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that owning a dog can improve symptoms of depression in people with major depressive disorder.
2. Cat
Cats are known for their independent nature, but they can also provide numerous health benefits to their owners, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: According to a study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, owning a cat can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Improving sleep: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that owning a cat can improve sleep quality and quantity.
- Lowering the risk of allergies: Contrary to popular belief, owning a cat can actually lower the risk of allergies and asthma in children.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that owning a cat can reduce the risk of depression in older adults.
3. Fish
Fish are often overlooked as pets, but they can provide numerous health benefits to their owners, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, watching fish can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
- Improving mood: A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine found that watching fish can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
- Lowering blood pressure: According to a study published in the Journal of Hypertension, owning a fish tank can reduce blood pressure and promote relaxation.
A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that watching fish can reduce anxiety levels in dental patients.
4. Bird
Birds are often valued for their beauty and unique personalities, but they can also provide numerous health benefits to their owners, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, owning a bird can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
- Improving mood: A study published in the Journal of Aging and Health found that older adults who owned birds had better mental health and cognitive function.
- Promoting socialization: Owning a bird can promote socialization and reduce feelings of loneliness, according to a study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services.
A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that owning a bird can improve the quality of life for people with dementia.
5. Guinea pig
Guinea pigs are often considered to be ideal pets for children, but they can also provide numerous health benefits to their owners, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: According to a study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, bringing guinea pigs to work can reduce stress levels in employees.
- Promoting physical activity: Owning a guinea pig can encourage physical activity and provide a sense of responsibility.
- Improving mood: A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that owning a guinea pig can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing found that owning a guinea pig can reduce stress and anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures.
Overall, pets can provide numerous health benefits to their owners, and the above pets are just a few examples of the many different types of pets that can promote better health and well-being. However, it’s important to note that owning a pet is a big responsibility and requires careful consideration and planning before making the commitment.
Sources of information:
- https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/05/20/owning-a-dog-tied-to-lower-risk-of-dying-earlier
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5778814/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1757913917749799
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317329/
- https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.6462
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2674924/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6102456/
- https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/Abstract/2002/09000/The_Effect_of_a_Live_Fish_Tank_on_General_Well.6.aspx
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4215529/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4041622/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0898264305280993
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6639242/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5778814/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3124556/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jpm.12459
