A fluffy caretaker

A dog or a cat keep you happy and cheerful and diminishes mood swings by engaging you to the nature which includes fresh air and sun giving an extra dose of vitamin D. Outdoor activities with your little friend brings physical fitness and strengthening of muscles and bones. Their welcoming nature when you come home after work lessen the tiredness. You live in present and keep your worrisome thoughts off. Dogs impact social lives of their owners and their connection to their community. A pet, being a companion animal, facilitate social interaction.

In addition to above societal signature, keeping a dog help prevent illness. According to a study published in 2017, the pet owners have lower cholesterol level and blood pressure. There had been an improvement in stress related problems. Another study by National Institute of Health found that dogs can reduce the chances of heart attack by 50%. Children exposed to dogs and cats have lower risk of asthma. Figures have shown a significant reduction in heart disease risk, in the elderly. When interviewed number of doctors, they told that an animal can improve a patient’s chances of survival, who is suffering a life-threatening illness. With their rising demand in the market, doctors and psychologists have started giving them a place in their advice list.

From owing a cat or a dog, Pet therapy (PT) has gained equal importance in the health line. PT is a guided interaction of a person and a trained animal, which involves an it’s handler and helps in recovering a patient’s health problem or mental disorder. Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is yet another name. Dogs trained in the field of AAT can benefit people with disabilities. Pets As Therapy (PAT), a non-governmental organisation, takes dogs to the medical centres to aid patients in various recoveries.

In the healthcare sector, people who consider AAT are:

• people undergoing chemotherapy
• elders in long term care facilities
• patients hospitalised for chronic heart failure
• veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
• children having physical or dental procedures
• stroke victims
• mental health disorders persons

A dog or a cat decrease loneliness and isolation by becoming a companion, reduce boredom and anxiety because of its calming effects. It increase self-esteem, verbal communication and help children learn empathic and nurturing skill. Ironically, the emotional support given by an animal seems meaningful than by a human.