Keeping and caring for a dog or cat helps your health in many ways. Interacting with animals improves mental health, cardiovascular health and ensures faster recovery after operations. It is even said that dogs can recognise cancer by the smell of their breath.

 

It has been proven that dog and cat owners suffer less from high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These factors reduce the likelihood of heart disease. Even stroking a pet reduces high blood pressure.

According to various studies, patients recover more quickly after an operation if they have had contact with dogs. Dog owners are even said to have a better chance of surviving serious illnesses than non-dog owners. The survival rate of sick people, especially the elderly, even seems to be higher among pet owners than among people with caring families.

There is a direct link between keeping a pet and general health. Animals have a particularly positive influence on the physical and mental well-being of older people. Statistically speaking, people with pets have to go to the doctor less often than people without pets.

Recent research suggests that dogs can sense certain forms of cancer in their owners. In the study, breathing patterns of dogs suffering from lung cancer or breast cancer were held under their noses. The dogs are said to have recognised the cancer with astonishing accuracy, namely 99% of the lung cancer patients and 88% of the breast cancer patients, including patients with early-stage cancer.

Keeping dogs and cats brings many benefits for the individual. An animal reduces stress levels, increases self-esteem, encourages social interaction and exercise in the fresh air. The latter is particularly the case with dogs. A pet is therefore not only good for cuddling and loving, but also improves health.