Researchers in Finland just released a study in the Journal of Pediatrics which found there may be a link between children staying healthy and their household pets. This study followed a similar one conducted by the University of San Francisco and released in June. Scientists in both studies believe that increasing evidence has shown that children under the age of one are less likely to contract respiratory illnesses because of their strengthened immune response from their pets.
Pets that stayed outside more than six hours each day gave children a stronger immunity due to bacteria that was tracked inside the house. These children also needed fewer antibiotics. Thirty-one percent of children had fewer respiratory infections and also fewer ear infections – 44 percent fewer than children from non-dog owning homes. Our feline friends also seemed to have a beneficial effect, but of course not as strong as our little best friends.
The benefits of owning a pet doesn’t stop with infant health. Other studies have shown that owning a pet decreases one’s stress level and can help reduce hypertension, heart disease and even asthma. This means that you can trade-in the blood pressure meds for a Labrador. To most pet owners, this makes a lot of sense. Our pets become a part of the family and friends we share a lifetime of memories with, so why not make us healthy while making us happy.
So if you are thinking about getting a pet and your parents, spouse or significant other is one the fence just tell them it’s good for their health that should reel them in.
Anthony Figliola is vice president of Empire Government Strategies. Follow him on Twitter @TheFigliolaRprt