Did you know that there are real, scientific benefits to having a pet? There are health and social benefits from your pet’s companionship. Check out these five ways how pets improve your health and life.
They Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety
Dogs and cats can reduce the stress and anxiety that builds up from work, school, and the other aspects of life. Did you know that petting your dog or cat after a stressful day can boost your mood? Even small furry pets like gerbils, rabbits, or hamsters can be cuddled to reduce stress and anxiety. Pets can even help children from developing stress and anxiety issues. Courts, hospitals, prisons and disable veterans are using animal therapy to reduce stress and anxiety disorders like PTSD. Pets help reduce weight gain and depression. Caring for your pet can be a welcome distraction that requires you to leave your house and exercise as well.
They Improve Your Social Skills
Caring for and interacting with a pet can teach you how to empathize and sympathize. They help you create friendships and support systems which are necessary to your mental and emotional wellbeing. Did you know that people with strong social networks and friendships are more likely to live longer lives than people without those social connections?
Children with Autism and other developmental disorders greatly benefit from interacting with pets. Pets give children common ground, giving them something to talk about and interact with while they are getting to know each other. Pets can also teach children about responsibility and gentleness. Pets are the perfect audience to talk, vent to or even practice a presentation. Libraries and schools across the country started using therapy dogs to help improve children’s literacy and confidence.
They Help You Sleep better
Did you know that sleeping with a cat or dog can help you sleep better?
Pet owners feel more secure and relaxed after sleeping with their four-legged friends. Before you restrain from letting you pet sleep in your bed, remember that they might actually help you in get a better night’s sleep. Interacting with your pet during the day and sleeping with them at night can seriously improve the quality of your sleep as well as your overall health.
They Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
Pet ownership also has direct benefits to your physical health. Owning a cat significantly lowers the risk of death from heart disease. Dog owners are more likely to exercise, have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and less stress. These traits alone make dog owners more likely to survive a heart attack.
They Can Help You Live Longer
Pets provide numerous benefits for your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. They improve the quality of your life and help lengthen it. Pets decrease stress and encourage you to exercise more, lowering stress and blood pressure levels and contributing to better overall health. Dog ownership can boost your immune functionality and reduce the chance of developing allergies or asthma.
A pet can greatly improve your life and overall health. They can be your best friend, your therapist, and your trainer all in one. Their companionship reduces your stress levels and improves your mental health. Pets give a confidence boost and get you out of the house, exercise and socialize. Pets make you feel better and provide tangible benefits to your overall health.
