Pets have been given a bad reputation in recent years, especially in connection with health. Furry friends have been demonized for causing asthma and breathing difficulties, whilst reptiles were labeled as unsanitary. However, studies repeatedly show that the benefits of pets often outweigh the risks. It is similar to the manner in which plants have been recommended against, due to the pollen that they produce. Plants have health benefits of their own, both by cleaning the air, and by reducing stress. Here are some of the ways that pets may improve our health.

1. While it may seem surprising, having pets can actually lead to reduced allergies, asthma attacks, and lower incidences of colds. This may be because closely-bonded animals have the ability to lower stress, and provide happiness. Reduced stress produces a strengthened immune system.

2. Studies have repeatedly linked pets with better heart health. Due to this, some insurance companies offer reduced rates for elderly people if they own a pet.

3. Some pets, particularly dogs, encourage their owners to exercise. Whether it involves a daily stroll, or playing with the pet, enjoyable physical activities are much more common for pet owners. We live in an era of technology, where people exercise much less than they did in previous generations. This lack of exercise plagues modern society by causing rampant chronic diseases and obesity.

4. Pets are particularly beneficial for those experiencing loneliness or grief. This is another reason why pets are often given to elderly people. Pets provide them with a sense of companionship, and can be a distraction from grief.

5. Pets teach children about having responsibility, improve their self-esteem, and help them to cope with traumatic events. Children who have pets are also much less likely to develop a pet allergy during adulthood.

While each family is different, pet ownership generally has advantages regardless of those differences. From children to the elderly, pets have been shown to improve both the physical and psychological health. Some people may enjoy the company of a dog, while others will prefer a lizard, fish, or a bird. The ideal type of pet is dependent on the individual, and the most important benefit of a pet is how it will bring both parties happiness and friendship.

Poisoned Pet Food and Nutritionally Deficient Food

It is important to note that most commercial pet foods have become even more toxic than our processed foods. That's really saying something. Wild dogs and cats do not get diabetes, cancer, or epilepsy: and there is an obvious reason for the lack of disease in these animals. They eat exactly what they were designed to eat, and their intake of dietary poisons is extremely limited; especially when compared with domesticated pets. Dogs and cats were not designed to survive on a diet of genetically engineered corn, soy, wheat and canola oil, but these are primary ingredients in many leading brands of commercial pet foods. If a meat is not the first ingredient listed on the label, then it is unwise and unhealthy to give that brand of pet food to your dog or cat. In fact, these companies really ought to be boycotted. Cats and dogs were never designed to eat fruits and vegetables, and these things will harm their health by robbing them of the protein-based nutrition that they really need.

In general, be cautious of foods that contain so-called "enhancements" or "enrichments" like synthetic vitamins or unknown chemicals. These will harm, not help, in the long term. If the food truly were healthy, then it would not need "enhancements" to offset its toxicity and lack of nutrition. Chemistry will never improve your pet's health, just as it will never help yours. There is no substitute for a healthy diet. Most people neglect to read the ingredients on pet foods, but it is important that you do so if you want your pet to live a long, happy, healthy life.

The best and cheapest way to feed a pet is by providing him with leftovers from family meals. Before doing this, pet owners should research to discover what substances are toxic to their pet (grapes, onions, chocolate and xylitol are all quite harmful to dogs). If leftovers are not available, seek natural food options which mimic the diet that they would get in the wild. Although, we do not encourage feeding pets raw red meats. Not only is raw meat less healthy due to the presence of parasites, but furthermore; a pet should never be taught to enjoy the taste of blood. Cans of fish can be purchased cheaply, for example, and fish's omega-3 oil is equally beneficial to pets. Practically any fish will do, and don't be too concerned about the mercury, because fish naturally contains selenium, which neutralizes mercury. Fish from fish farms is not as healthy as the fish that is wild caught, and actually has unhealthy ratios of omega oils.

Be especially wary of pet foods and products coming from China. The Chinese have been caught more than once poisoning our pet foods. Poisoning us, and our animals, seems like a sport for them.

Vaccinations

Of course, as in the case of humans, we advocate the avoidance of vaccines, if it is at all feasible. Yes, we know about rabies, but we nevertheless make this recommendation for the sake of compassion, for we know that animals have a much better chance of doing well if the vaccines are omitted. Some cats are never the same after a vaccination, and develop aggressive personalities. Dogs, on the other hand, can become docile, as if they have a type of dog autism, which they probably do.

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