Benefits Of Pet Ownership Essay -- essays research papers fc

&8220I think I could turn and live with the animals. They are so placid and self-contained, writes American poet Walt Whitman (Schellenberg 1). Yes, pets sire been part of human culture throughout history, and in American households, they are more common than children. It is reported that 58% of U.S. households have at least one pet, whereas only 35% have children (Whitaker Witherell 76). Owners spend billions of dollars each year on pet food, accessories, and veterinary care, but apparently pets contrive back, too (Schellenberg 1). Medical studies show that pet companionship offers concrete wellness benefits (Simross 14). While only in the past few decades have scientists become enkindle in the benefits of pets on human health (Schellenberg 2), &8220as far back as Plato and Socrates, there were admonishments for people to spend time with animals. . .for their health (Simross 14). &8220Researchers into the impact of animals on our health points to a clear relationship between the presence of pets and significantly better physical and emotional well-being (Witherell 76). Pet owners reported fewer headaches, fewer bouts of indigestion, and less problem sleeping in one study (Avanzino). Also, interaction with animals is shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, subtle changes with enormous health benefits (Whitaker Schellenberg 2). For example, a large Australian study reported in 1992 indicated that pet owners are a...