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Pet Potential for Health and Wellness
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Humans are the complete social being. Like many animals, humans live in our own packs and strive to form a connection with other living things.
In 10,000 B.C., dogs, thought to be the first domesticated animal, were found buried cradled in the arms of their owners. In 7,500 B.C., the first evidence of domesticated cats were found in Egyptian burials.
"Pets continue to be an optional part of our modern lives. Research shows that our desire to connect with our pets can be a valuable asset for those struggling with physical and emotional pain; mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety; and environmental factors, such as loneliness," says Jennifer Wickham, licensed professional counselor at Mayo Clinic Health System.
The potential benefits of pet ownership and pet therapy were first explored in research in the 1980s. This research found that the companionship of pets may be important in fostering positive mental health and well-being in people (McNicols, 2005).
In July 2011, the American Psychological Association reported on a study that found pets serve as an important social and emotional support for “everyday people” and for those with “significant health challenges.” This study examined the outcomes of those individuals who owned a pet and those who did not. The results show that “pet owners fared better in terms of well-being outcomes.”
"Though not a replacement for social interaction with people, pets do provide social support and stress reduction," adds Wickham. "We know, through medical research, that increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol slows immune response to injury sites. When this occurs, the healing process can be delayed causing increased recovery times. Developing strategies for reducing stress in everyday life and in health crisis situations has been a recent focus for all."
Many hospitals and clinics now have policies allowing for pets to be present to provide emotional support and companionship to ease the stress of illness and pain.
"So, if you own a pet, take good care of them, because they take care of you. Their unconditional love for us bestows many wellness benefits," says Wickham.
Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Health System locations offer a variety of pet therapy programs at campuses in Arizona and Florida, Eau Claire and La Crosse in Wisconsin, and Mankato and Rochester in Minnesota.
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