Having pets really is good for your health. Experts say the minor physical aspects of pet ownership, from taking walks to looking after them, can go a long way – and, these will improve the “feel good” chemicals in the brain.
The study carried out by UK retirement home builder McCarthy & Stone surveyed 1,000 British dog and cat owners. Pet owners reported nearly twice as much exercise as those without, at five times per week against three. “Many benefits of pet ownership also include the cardio-vascular(心脏血管的) exercise of dog-walking, and even the light housework associated with feeding and clearing up after our beloved animals,” says psychologist and author Corinne Sweet.
Pet owners were also more likely to be married, have a child, and be happy with their job. They even earned an average of almost $5,200 more per year than non-pet owners, and volunteered for charities more frequently. On the other hand, people without pets were more likely to have paid off their debt, with 69 percent having done so compared to 60 percent of pet owners. They also retired sooner, at 46 percent compared to 35.
The survey showed that those with pets benefited greatly from talking to their pets, and 16 percent even said that they wouldn’t ever speak to anyone if it wasn’t for their pet. For many, this also did away with feelings of loneliness.
“The psychological and emotional benefits of pet ownership are well-known among mental health professionals,” Sweet said. “Having a close bond with a domestic animal can make owners feel more relaxed, calmer and happier at home. Owners may also talk to their furry friends and gain a friendly, comforting ear and warm welcome when they are feeling unwell, sad, or lonely.”

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1. What’s the advantage of having pets from Paragraph 1?

A    It benefits the pet owners both in physical and mental aspects.

B    It benefits the pet owners only in physical aspects.

C    It only makes people feel good.

D    It’s good for people’s body but not the brain.

2. What is the main idea of the third paragraph?

A    Having pets tends to be happier and more successful.

B    Pet owners have much difficulty in finding their jobs.

C    More people will volunteer for charities than before.

D    People without pets are far likely to live a terrible life.

3. What can the pet owners do when feeling lonely?

A    Walk the pets a long way.

B    Speak to their pets.

C    Do the housework.

D    Pay off their debts.

4. What Sweet said means ______.

A    pet owners did not feel sad

B    owning pets had many mental benefits

C    only some pets were friendly

D    pet owners had less exercise