What are the health benefits of pets?

yes my friend you are right...pets can be of much help in many diseases...for example they can help people suffering from depression because they are a prove of loving presence in their life and because they need care and attention and help expressing one's feeling and increasing self-esteem...they are used with babies suffering because of past traumas...they help discovering and expressing emotions...and they are used with people suffering from Alzheimer disease...because with pets you don't need to use language and pets don't represent a challenge for them...moreover they can be a loving presence in the life of everybody

I can't imagine my life without pets. I have 2 dogs and a cat. Dogs are my favourite. I wish we could have dogs on duty in hospitals here as I also believe they help people get better quicker. My inlaws lived in a retirement village when they were still alive where no animals were allowed. I wi have to live somewhere that allowes animals when I retire.

Companionship is the main benefit of a pet, if you live alone or are elderly, having to look after the pet can be a reason to get out of bed, go for a walk, get some fresh air. Even cages animals like hamsters or birds need to be cared for and a depressed, housebound person still gets the company and a reason to keep going. Pets are good for our children to learn about caring, respect and responsibility with, even if mum does most of the work. Pets in hospital are someting to look forward to and the unconditional love animals give brings hope and light to the darkest day. Pets also bring dirt and allergens into childrens lives helping to boost their immune systems. To me a home without pets in is just somewhere to live, our pets help make a house into a home, especially with children.

I have definitely not been as 'interested in life' since losing my beloved cats ... I would like to have a dog .. but I can't afford to find myself properly never mind a dog .. and I'd not be able to give it the proper exercise .. so it wouldn't be fair to have a dog ...

I was raised with 11 cats and 4 pigeons. I was very shy person, but never feel lonely because I was surrounded by them. It helped me interact with other kids who love pets too.

I am sure it is very good for your health. I don't have pets, but I am going to have dog soon. You kitten is cute!

Animals are amazing creatures, capable of more things than most people would think but unfortunately they are often underestimated. I have heard that pets can significantly reduce the amount of stress in people, I totally believe this because my dog and cats are living proof of this! I've also heard that dogs use their senses and can even sense cancer in people just by simply sniffing their breath-truly amazing!

Hi Definately agree with the cat thing We have two, and the theraputic value is immense!! When sit on me and do their "Purr" bit, it makes me feel so relaxed!

Thank you for you good discussion topic. i havea dogin my house. the reason for me to have this small dog is that my son likes to have a dog, I want my son happy. Now, I know that to have a dog in my house is good for my health. so I think my son is great, and I am smart to make the right chioce.lol..

I have three young female cats and they definitely help relieve the stress. Sometimes just watching them playing with each other is a great stress reliever. You just can't help but laugh when they really get into it. And no matter what kind of day you have had they are always glad to see you and they usually meet me at the door. It makes the day seem not so bad. So I definitely believe that animals are good for your health.

yes, i have heard the same as well. alot of nursing homes and retirement homes are into the idea as well.

oh yes definitely stress reliever. I can be mad, angry, stressed, tense or whatever. I sit down with my cat and scratch him behind the ears, and he starts to purr and stick my nose in his fur and take a deep breath and I am much calmer. Cats are great.

When I used to work in nursing homes, most of them had a cat that lived on residence and a pet therapy dog that would come in sometimes daily to associate with the residents. I know that when my stress level is up or when i dont feel good my dogs are right by my side, they know when things are going on and they try to make me think about other things. They are just too adorable not to pay attention to especially when I am down and sick.

I love this picture. Is it your cat? I use to have black cat, very cute. I think that pets are giving us unconditional love, it is very healthy.

yea, there are. a man is psycologically happier with a dog.

I get my excersize taking dogs in and out of the house but it is just soothing to pet them

I don't know about helping people to recover, but pets are great to ease tension, and take your mind off any stress situations.

i know it is alot of benefits of having a pet, but what if someone or something place that arent allow to have a pet, or they allgey with them make the sneeze, maybe we should have like robot pets what do you think of that, you dont have to feed it, but you can walk and do other stuff with it.