How do pets contribute to the overall health of a family?

1. 81

   who10posted 11 years ago

   How do pets contribute to the overall health of a family?

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2. 57

   dreamdamodarposted 11 years ago

   Most of the families consider their pets as part of their families. When the members of the family spend their time with the pets, they are extremely happy and positive minded. Such a positive frame of mind improves their overall health.

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   Johanna Bakerposted 11 years ago

   Patting animals are known to calm people and reduce tension and stress and can help lower blood pressure.
   They provide comfort and company and give everyone in the family an opportunity to care about creatures that need caring for.
   They can teach children responsibility.
   We have two cats one elderly and one a kitten, a puppy and a cockatiel and we really enjoy their company and their antics. They brighten our day and give us more than ample reward for the time and care they cost us.

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   1. 57

      dreamdamodarposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Very true.

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4. 85

   Jackie Lynnleyposted 11 years ago

   Pets in a family bring the family together, all loving them and pretty much on the same page on at least this one thing. It is a relaxing joy having pets and bring laughter. Children are taught love through animals and nurturing.

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   1. 57

      dreamdamodarposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am very happy to see such thoughtful comments.

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5. 61

   dingyskipperposted 11 years ago

   It is well known that stroking a dog or cat while sitting can reduce the blood pressure more than just keeping still.
   Pets can when well behaved have a positive effect on the mental condition of the family, they also teach responsibility, and unfortunenatly about death.

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6. 87

   nochanceposted 11 years ago

   Emotional and mental health is improved by having a pet. They are calming and cute, therefore making them stress relievers.
   
   Pets can also help physical health as well. Pets are good for your immune system, especially if your parents had them when you were a kid. Pets drag in a lot of bacteria, not to mention the amount they create in their mouths. Exposure to this bacteria helps children build their immune systems making them less likely to get sick.

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7. 64

   bizzymomposted 11 years ago

   I think having a pet is a wonderful thing.  They can make you laugh or smile just by doing their normal activity.  Petting my dog is very soothing.  The greeting she gives  us when we come home is priceless.  When I finally sit down at the end of a long day, my yorkie cuddles up right next to me.  She always shows the whole family that she loves us.

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   sroberts9posted 11 years ago

   They relieve stress.  Just seeing them when you come home from a hard days work, with their sparkling eyes and tail wagging so quickly back and forth, and their urgency to rub on your leg, just lets you know someone one in this world does care about me and loves me without any reservation.  The focus on them and their love for you - makes the day seem worth it and you feel better about your day - then the stupid things of the day that stressed you out - seem to fade away.....

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9. 79

   starbrightposted 11 years ago

   We live right out in the middle of nature where there are foxes, elk, deer, crane, geese, ducks, woodpeckers and an abundance of bird and insect life. Although not our pets, every time we see them close by it's just so fascinating and soul warming to watch them. It's like living in the middle of a natural zoo being able to watch every aspect of how they live. We're so privileged to be able to interact in their world every day - each of us respecting the other.

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10. 94

    peeplesposted 11 years ago

    I will just mention what others have not. New studies have shown that having pets in the home with a newborn reduces the chances of allergies to animals in the child later in life. It use to be that animals were frowned upon if a couple were expecting a child. Now many doctors are encouraging parents to keep animals.

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11. 61

    takerecessposted 11 years ago

    My family had dogs while I was growing up. I was able to participate in training and caring for them. This taught me how to interact appropriately with animals and how to be responsible. A dog is also a wonderful friend when no one else seems to understand. They can also warn and protect a family. I definitely recommend getting one.

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    Frank Atanacioposted 11 years ago

    By who.. Pets  do contribute to the overall health to a family..  they keep couch potatoes active and on their feet..  they listen  when you just wanna get things off your chest..  they teach loyalty by example..  and they help nurture minds.. yeah.. pets are so important..  I love my dog  and I can scream that from a mountain top..

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13. 85

    SidKempposted 11 years ago

    My wife and I have two cats that we saved from being rounded up and put to sleep. Both are very shy. Each cat chose one of us. Training my cat, Bandera, to sit on my lap has taken 9 years. In learning to do it, I've also learned how to be gentle, loving, and patient with my wife.
    
    My wife's cat is needy and cantankerous. In learning to care for her, my wife has figured out a few things about me!
    
    Caring for animals brings out a natural, caring, patient side in us all. Playing with animals makes us playful. Animals are naturally relaxed, and heal themselves easily. If we transfer that to how we care for ourselves and care for and play with each other, we have a more relaxed, more caring, happier family.

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    miccimomposted 11 years ago

    We have a dog, Brando, and its just the simple fact that he is so excited to see everyone one of us, EVERYDAY.  The unconditional love is so comforting.  I think its the fact that we can count on him to be happy and cheer us up when we are down that is the overall health benefit for our family.

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15. 96

    DrMark1961posted 11 years ago

    Besides the well known ways in which pets contribute to the health of an individual (reduce stress, reduce blood pressure) there is something even more important that pets do for health. They accept us, now matter how ugly, fat, handicapped, socially inept, etc. Almost all of the commentators mention this great benefit, in one way or another, as it really is the most important thing to us.

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16. 69

    yeagerinvestmentsposted 11 years ago

    My pet relieves my stress! He goes on runs with me and when I come home, he loves to see me which makes my day brighten; of course so does my wife.

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17. 75

    Li Galoposted 11 years ago

    The only time I've REALLY enjoyed having pets is when someone else took care of the feeding, poop clean up and bathing of them.  Then, when they curled up with me, it was just love.  In that one way, pets are fabulous.  They give you straight up love, love, love.  There are no issues between you and the pup.  Okay, maybe the cat gives you dirty looks sometimes but who knows what he's worked up about?  That passes and then he curls up on my lap later.  When my kids are grown up and gone, so are the pets!  I don't want anything extra to clean up after.  While I appreciate the love and that (maybe) makes me healthier emotionally, I want a simple life where I can travel on a moment's notice. I think it would be undue stress to my life when I'm older and want to travel.  I think there may be a true health benefit to someone who is elderly and home quite a bit, as companionship, for laughs, and for extra love.  Plus, it's always nice to have a little furry thing to nap with on the sofa and I expect to get plenty of napping in when I'm an aged lady.

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18. 58

    Midlife Magicposted 11 years ago

    When I sit and pet my dog, I am totally present in a way that I seldom experience otherwise.
    
    When I walk with him, I experience the soft summer nights and I totally enjoy the moment and all the worries of the day fade.
    
    When my father was ill my dog's arrival at his home gave him the greatest joy.
    
    I was never a dog person, but I bought Audi for my son and then he decided he liked girls better so now I have a dog.  But it is good in ways I could never have imagined!

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19. 81

    who10posted 11 years ago

    All very good answers.  Nice to see such positive comments.

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