Having pets can improve our health in an integral way. The benefits registered are physical and psychological, becoming quite notorious according to the opinion of some specialists.
However, there are some pets that are more beneficial than others from a health point of view.
Some may even bring great risks to people if due care is not taken. This is what happens, for example, with the green iguana.
Next, we will analyze which pet is more beneficial for the human being, from the perspective of health.
Cats and dogs are the most recommended options
It is not strange that cats and dogs are the most popular species among pet lovers. Both are domesticable, healthy, adaptive and have developed an extensive knowledge about them in the world of veterinary medicine.
Although both can be carriers of some microorganisms that affect humans, grooming and placing vaccines are more than sufficient measures to prevent any infection or virus.
But if health is concerned, there are some differences between these two domesticable animals.
Cats and the slight risk of toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is perhaps the only low point that cats have when compared to dogs.
We speak of a condition transmitted by the parasite toxoplasma gondii that can generate quite negative effects especially in pregnant women.
Having an efficient immune system is essential to avoid the dangers of this infection.
However, to tell the truth, most owners of cats are immunized and develop antibodies that fight this disease, often asymptomatic.
But if we ask ourselves which pet is most beneficial to our health, the dog seems to set itself up with a small advantage over the cat.
This does not mean that felines stop being an excellent pet for the home.
Health benefits of having a dog at home
The contact with these animals motivates in people the constant release of dopamine and serotonin, with which we fight stress and cardiac dysfunctions.
And that is not the only way under which a domestic dog helps us protect our hearts.
According to research done in the United States, those affected by heart disease who have dogs have a longer life expectancy than other people.
This is quite logical because people who have dogs make daily walks of at least 20 minutes.
With this they increase their physical activity and improving their heart rate. In addition, pet lovers are less likely to fall into depressive states.
Dogs and the problem of allergies
There are people who can not tolerate the fur of this type of domestic animals. Allergies are still a problem for owners of many pets.
Many experts point out that children with dogs are less likely to suffer from allergies.
The reason is that your immune system adapts to coexistence with the pet. Added to this, the bacteriological flora of canines can contribute to the strengthening of our own defenses.
In any case, patients with allergies can opt for races that do not have hair, such as the xoloitzcuintle, the Argentine pile or the Chinese crested, among others.
Another alternative is the English bulldog, because it has a strong coat and quite short.
How to determine which pet is most beneficial for health?
Knowing which pet is most beneficial to our health will depend on the analysis of many variables.
The first thing is to know which are the species that bring risks for humans.
The second is to verify what are the health advantages of our favorite animals.
In the past it was believed that animals like turtles and hamsters were good for children. Nowadays it is known that both are carriers of germs and infections as dangerous as salmonella.
The dog is still man's best friend
The dog is still the most balanced option if we consider health. Living with them represents few dangers and their company generates proven positive effects in our lives.
However, with all of this, determining which pet is most beneficial depends on the reality and preferences of each person.