We recognize that every day is National Pet Day, but we’ll take any excuse to talk about our furry friends.
The benefits of having a pet in the home are numerous. Owning a pet certainly isn’t without its difficulties, but anyone who has done so can attest to the fact that pets give their owners far more in return. And I’ll give you five reasons why that is the case.
Get Active!
A cat or dog can serve as a daily reminder to get up, move around, and do something fun. Weekend couch-potato is less of a challenge when you don’t have a pet. However, pets are vocal about their need for daily exercise. Activities that involve dogs in active play are a natural fit for them. Dogs encourage their owners to get more exercise by encouraging them to go for walks, runs, and games of fetch, all of which are beneficial to the owners’ health.
The Condition of Your Heart
Owning a pet forces you to get out of the house more, which is great for your heart. Cats and dogs are beneficial to your heart health, but it’s not just from all the exercise they provide. Having a pet has been shown to reduce the chance of a heart attack in humans. The results of these studies indicate that having a pet reduces the risks of cardiovascular disease, specifically high blood pressure and cholesterol. Additionally beneficial to cardiovascular health is the fact that pet ownership reduces stress.
Reduced Tension
Cats and dogs are faithful companions through thick and thin, and the daily dose of unconditional love they provide is therapeutic. In a flash, they can make their owner forget about the stresses of the workplace. Stress hormone cortisol is reduced in people who pet dogs, according to research. Anxiety and depression can also be lessened by spending time with a dog or cat. In general, they provide a beneficial and natural approach to relieving stress.
More Conversing
When you bring a new dog or cat into your home, you immediately become a part of a community—a massive community. Most homes in the United States have a pet cat or dog. It’s likely that you share your neighborhood or building with a few of these people. Having a pet dog or cat forces you to spend time with the owner. Walking your dog around the block or visiting the local dog park are both excellent opportunities to strike up conversation with your neighbors. Dog and cat owners can even find online communities to share their passion for their pets.
Assist for Those with Learning Difficulties
Some heroic characters have fur instead of a cape. Pets like cats and dogs can have a significant impact on the quality of life for people with a range of health problems. Cats and dogs have a unique ability to improve the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds, from war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder to elderly people with memory loss. Dogs and cats can play an important role in helping us heal and cope, whether as emotional support animals or as a constant companions for a child struggling with a social disorder.
Final Thoughts
Getting a dog or cat as a pet is a great idea for a lot of different reasons. The health benefits to their owners are supported by scientific evidence. If you take the time to show them affection, they may even help you improve as a person. Having a dog or cat has obvious advantages, but the best parts are the surprising ways they will make you happy.