When we think in terms of human and animal interaction, we immediately think of our canine friend or our feline companion. However, the interaction is so different when compared, in that the dog when fed and taken care of looks at you as god. But when the cat is fed and taken care of, your feline friend becomes god, a diametrical difference of animal behavior. But the interplay of the human and animal connection is not by any means limited by them as I will share in this article. In a recent episode, a veterinarian shared her thoughts of taking care of your pet, medically and the nurturing of the palpable bond that develops almost right away in such relationships.
The most obvious benefit to owning a canine friend is you are compelled to get more exercise than otherwise, while walking your dog or should I say while it walks you, and you cannot help but benefit when also playing with your puppy. It has been reported that dog owners who took time to take their pets for regular strolls, almost 50% received the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise of which most consider moderate exercise. By comparison to non-pet owners, it was considerably less, only about a third received the recommended exercise. The Human-Animal Bond has existed throughout the ages, and we can only conclude that there is a definite reciprocal benefit derived from this interconnection. This relationship with pets and their human counterparts was not always likened to the relationship you find among humans themselves. My guest spoke of her first horse, a memory that is never to be forgotten, she said. As we know, animals eventually die, and she spoke of lying there next to her horse weeping for almost an hour, which can only be explained as a testament of the human and animal bond. I too, have fond memories of pets along the way. At the age of 3, we had a very protective white handsome German Shepherd that always followed me in among the vineyards and as we frolicked in the corn fields, he was there every time I turned around. And I too, remember my first horse named Charles, a spirited British Welch Pony that I could always depend on for an exciting fun bare back ride. The human-animal bond has developed for many thousands of years and had its inception as more of a working relationship and not so much as an in-house pet. Animals can provide a diversified service such as farmers situating peacocks to oversee their farm and livestock and by screaming when something is not quite right alerting the farmer. We have also heard of law enforcement relying on canines to trail and apprehend perpetrators and smell explosives and illegal substances of all types. Growing up in the 1960s, many may remember a TV series called Flipper that aired on NBC, a dolphin and a boy who were of the greatest of friends. Interestingly, The US Navy utilizes dolphins to identify underwater explosives and detect the presence of enemy skin-divers. Also, the Marines have taken advantage of the heavy-duty pack mule in diverse ways to accomplish missions by transporting implements of war such as ammunition, and other supplies through arduous terrain in all parts of the world. Many domesticated animals gave protection and served their owners, for example, they were in partnership in hunting, in agriculture, or performing other necessary chores for day-to-day life. When we consider the veritable plethora of breeds of dogs that exist today, these dogs were initially bred to track wild animals and herd sheep or cattle and such. And the cat, for the most part, cats normally existed outside, and would hunt and eliminate rodents in the barn, otherwise, the proliferation of rodents could possibly disseminate virulent diseases, destroy crops, contaminate food storages, or other essential materials for human survival. In my research, in speaking of cats, I found that there is a definite link between feline ownership and the reduction of risk from dying due to cardiac arrest or even a stroke, hence, researchers concluding that cat ownership is a clever strategy for mitigating the risk of cardiovascular illness in highly predisposed individuals. When people are stressed out, just the soothing sound of a purring cat will placate the nervous system and reduce blood pressure. In addition, studies have shown that pet ownership of all kinds has been linked to lowering hypertension, lessening the heart rate, and promote a faster recovery during cognitive stress. In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) released a scientific statement proposing that pet ownership particularly dogs of which I am partial to because I am allergic to cats, will lower the danger of cardiovascular disease. I am certain you have heard that animals also served people in the military during wartime. There were cavalry horses before there were ever army trucks and armored tanks, there were sentry dogs to keep guard and even to this day. Before the means of electronic communication there were carrier pigeons such as Cher Ami, a male homing pigeon who saved many soldiers as a carrier. This little war flying hero was a donation to the United States army by pigeon fanciers of Britain during World War One. and as we well know there are mascots representing a wide spectrum of organizations indicative of the existing bond with a variety of animals. Obviously, these animals not only served as protectors, but they also offered anxiety relief and a sense of dignity or pride to their human counterparts. It is not difficult to overlook the human-animal bond as a one-way relationship. These trusted Pets require their basic needs of food, water, protection from the elements, and their medical care to be met and they reciprocate by giving their unconditional obedience, which some would call love. However, humans receive an entirely different kind of nurturing from their animals. Research incontrovertibly shows that pets can mitigate hypertension or blood pressure, lower stress, raise levels of blood oxytocin, a hormone that is a mediator of anti-stress, and, it has been documented that it may lower chronic pain. In fact, folks living with a canine friend are 15 percent less likely to suffer their demise from cardiovascular disease. Additionally, our furry friends also can offer benefits for other human health issues. For example, seniors react positively to animals in terms of mitigating loneliness, heart conditions, and dementia can be reduced. The interaction with companion animals, the senior community can experience irrefutable positive cognitive and physiological effects. Likewise, the effects on children who suffer emotionally, mentally, and socially have experienced a positive affect in demeanor. The human-animal interaction is observable in a variety of situations. On the job animals, historically, are famous for their relationships with their human owners. They provide support for the nervous system, they provide therapy, and service animals provide solace and consolation, they offer a sense of security, and perform everyday duties to assist their owners deal with everyday life. Animals can be an essential part of the rehabilitation process for those who have experienced emotional or physical abuse or trauma including those suffering from PTSD due to horrific war time experiences. As the human-animal bond develops over the years, it makes common sense to me that it will progressively improve as people continue to interact with different animals. The indisputable health benefits of owning a furry friend and the interaction with various kinds of working animals are making significant difference in the lives of so many folks. As this natural bond moves forward and strengthens, the focal point of health such as grieving the loss of a furry family member, will continue to gain attention. I also see the progression in the field of veterinary and as studies continue to add to knowledge about animal health care and medical standards, and as the livestock industry changes and hopefully for the better, new methods of animal husbandry will be implemented and will boost the bonds between mans and animal. Earlier, we touched on the benefits of having a canine, especially in terms of getting exercise, so here are some tips on how to approach it. According to professional dog trainers, they will tell you to take Your Time , never be in a hurry to walk your furry friend. Keep in mind that dogs inherently enjoy sniffing and exploring around their neighborhood, and this may be beneficial for their well-being. Therefore, be available to visit your local dog park or walk down a different street for variety, thus giving more quality time with one another. The right walking equipment can also make it or break it in your efforts to enjoy it, so be certain to have the right leash and collars before you go on your mutual adventure. Even humans enjoy snacking, so carry Treats as you Train your four-legged friend, especially when working with a leash-responsive dog, teaching your puppy to eventually walk on a slack leash, or just rewarding obedient dog behavior. Be aware that different breeds require different basic attention, like consideration of age, and consideration of their overall health, yes, just like humans. You can consult your veterinarian for recommendations and be alert and take cues from your pup as to their capacity of distance and strength stamina. In other words, could you yourself run a marathon the first time out the gate? At this point, you may be thinking, I do not have a canine friend because I cannot afford it, nor do I have the room for a pet. How about this novel idea, offer to walk a family member’s dog or your neighbor’s furry trusted friend, or start a side hustle of walking dogs and as a bonus you will get paid for exercising. All in concern will benefit!
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