The curbing and prevention of health issues animals provide
Pets can curb and also prevent many health issues. Some
recent studies, “link pet ownership to lower blood pressure, decreased risk of
heart disease, and increased activity levels” (Hammond 55). Some common health
issues such as arthritis, which has no cure, can be slowed by pet interaction. Marie-Lynn
Hammond explained in the Chatelaine magazine that, “Dogs, cats, and horses can
help increase mobility and flexibility for people who are disabled or
undergoing physical rehabilitation. Petting and walking an animal can increase
mobility for arthritis sufferers and horse-therapy riding centers allow
disabled people to develop a balance of coordination” (Hammond 55). There are
many rewarding qualities of pets that are overlooked in the medical field. Some
pets can even be trained to sense oncoming epileptic seizures and sniff out
cancerous melanomas (Hammond 55). Although pet interaction is not a cure, it is
a proven method for curbing health issues. Constant innovation in the field of
human/animal interaction has resulted in positive findings and meaningful
questioning.