It’s no surprise that a significant number of American households have pets. In fact, according to the 2011 American Pet Products Association (APPA) survey, 62 percent of all American households have a pet living with them. This includes 46.3 million households with 78.2 million dogs, 38.9 million households with 86.4 million cats, and another 25.3 million households with birds, reptiles, horses, and small animals.
Humanizing our pets
It seems that today people are viewing and treating their pets more like humans than ever before, integrating them into all areas of their homes. Pets often share beds and sleeping quarters with their families, and this trend is not confined to the United States, but is popular worldwide. Due to this strong bond, pet care expenditure for 2010-2011 exceeded $50 billion, with pet owners demanding the highest quality products and services for their pets.
The reasons behind our pet passion
So what is the reason for our passion for pets? Pets love us unconditionally, without complaint or disappointment. They give companionship without the baggage of human relationships and accept our love and affection without question. Pets fill the gap in intimate human contact, which has diminished in recent years due to the rise of digital communication through email, texting, and social media.
Healing potential of pets
Not only do pets provide companionship, they also have the power to heal. For years, dogs have been utilized as seeing-eye dogs for the blind. But now, dogs and other pets are being used in numerous areas of health and healing. From alerting their owners just before a seizure, to detecting cancer and assisting autistic children, pets serve many purposes. Therapy animals, like cats, can help lower blood pressure, regulate heart rate, reduce depression and stress, and provide companionship and affection.
Dr. Karen Allen’s study at the State University of New York at Buffalo revealed that hypertensive individuals who adopted a dog or cat experienced less of a rise in their blood pressure during stressful situations compared to those without pets. Furthermore, the National Institute of Technology Assessment Workshop, Health Benefits of Pets, acknowledged that pet companions offer psychological stability, reducing the risk of heart disease, depression, and other stress-related conditions. Pets also appear to decrease healthcare costs, as pet owners make fewer doctor visits for non-serious medical conditions.
A study from Purdue University demonstrated that pets provide emotional support for the elderly during times of trauma or adversity, preventing depression and loneliness. It’s clear that pets enhance our psychological and physical well-being and provide non-judgmental, loving relationships that often surpass those with other humans.
Conclusion
Pets play an invaluable role in our lives, providing love, support, companionship, and even healing potential. The strong bond between humans and pets is apparent in our homes, and it’s no wonder people are willing to invest in the best care for their furry friends. As research continues to unveil the numerous benefits pets offer, it’s not surprising that pets are becoming more integrated into our daily lives and homes.
