Pets can not only entertain you and your family, but are also good for your health. However, if not cared for and cared for properly, pets can also be at risk of causing health problems.
Various studies have proven that there are many benefits that can be obtained from raising animals. However, on the other hand, pets that are not cared for properly can have a negative impact on health, such as transmitting germs, viruses, or parasites that can cause disease.
Benefits of Having a Pet
Keeping animals can bring many benefits, both from a psychological and health perspective. This positive effect can be felt by anyone, both adults and children, as well as those who suffer from certain diseases.
The following are some of the benefits of owning a pet:
1. Boost immunity
Having a pet is known to strengthen the immune system. Better immunity can also be formed in children who grow up in a home environment with pets.
Recent research has also revealed that toddlers raised in homes with pets are at lower risk of developing allergies, asthma and eczema.
However, some people may not be suitable or allergic to animal hair. If you or a family member has these allergies, consult your doctor first before you want to raise animals.
2. Relieve stress
Playing with pets can make you happy and forget for a moment the problems that exist. This is due to an increase in the hormones dopamine and serotonin in the brain when you feel happy. Thus, the stress experienced will subside.
In addition, raising animals can also overcome loneliness which can increase the risk of psychological disorders, such as depression, especially for those of you who live alone.
3. Support children's development
Keeping animals can foster a sense of empathy, responsibility, imagination, and emotional closeness of children to animals. Not only that, interacting with pets can even help children who have learning difficulties to be more focused and calm.
However, parents should always take care of their child when he interacts with pets to prevent injury or the risk of being bitten by an animal.
4. Accompany and take care of the elderly
A study states that elderly people with Alzheimer's disease will feel more relaxed, happy, and entertained if they have pets at home.
5. Encourage to be more active
Keeping or playing with pets can also motivate you to exercise more regularly and be more active. This activity is the right alternative if you are reluctant to exercise.
Playing ball with the cat, walking the dog, or cleaning the fish pond can be both fun and healthy activities.
6. Improve the ability to interact
Pets are known to show empathy and affection for those around them, especially those who care for them. In fact, a study states that pets can support children with autism to interact better with their surroundings.
Risks of Owning a Pet
When you decide to raise an animal, you and your family also need to be committed to caring for and taking good care of the animal. If not cared for, pets in the house can cause various diseases.
The following are some types of diseases that can be caused by pets:
Kutu
Be wary if you see your pet starting to scratch itself a lot. It could be a sign of lice breeding on the skin. Ticks left untreated can roam or settle and lay eggs in the crevices or folds of household items, such as sofas and pillows.
In addition to causing itching on human skin, fleas can transmit serious diseases, such as the bubonic plague. Treatment can be done by giving drugs or anti-lice powder.
Worm
Various types of worms, such as tapeworms and roundworms, are common parasites that can develop in the small intestine of animals. Vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss of the animal can be symptoms of a worm infection.
Infected animals can transmit the disease to humans through soil or sand that has been contaminated with worm eggs.
In addition, worm eggs that hatch in the body of adults can cause damage to body tissues. Handling by injection, oral medication, or topical medication from a veterinarian can be a solution to this problem.
Ringworm
You and your family members can catch ringworm from an untreated pet just by touching their skin or fur. Ringworm can cause red skin, a rash, or circular spots on the skin. Immediately get your pet checked by a doctor, if he is exposed to ringworm.
Wound scratch or bite
Even if your pet is trained and very friendly, never leave a child alone with an animal. An overly enthusiastic child may push or hit the animal, putting them at risk of being bitten or scratched by the pet.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is commonly found in cat feces. This parasite can also be found in dirty cat fur. However, there is research that states that women who have had cats for a long time will have antibodies against toxoplasmosis.
However, as a precaution, it's a good idea to move your pet to another place or make sure that pregnant women don't take care of cat litter to avoid infection that can harm the pregnancy and fetus.
To avoid the risk of spreading the disease, make sure your pet goes through the screening stage and undergoes vaccinations before being brought into the house.
If not, apart from the potential for the animal to get sick, you and your family at home are also at risk of being infected by bacteria, viruses, or parasites in their bodies.
Before deciding to raise an animal, you need to prepare various needs for the animal to be raised, and ensure the health condition of you and your family.
It's a good idea to consult a doctor before owning a pet, especially if you or someone in your household has certain medical conditions.
