Amazing Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
Whether you already have a pet, or two, or three, or if you are thinking about getting one for you and your family to enjoy together, but are still unsure, it can be beneficial to know all about the positive effects that owning a pet can have on your health.
Not only does owning a pet help to improve your physical wellbeing but it can also drastically boost your mental health.
Currently, in the U.S, 41% of people have had to seek the help of mental health services within the last year, with a shocking 62.9% of those people having to be treated for severe mental illness.
Sadly, it does not look like these numbers are going to decrease anytime soon; more than likely, they will go up.
However, by owning a pet you could see a significant change in your mood and overall mental health.
Keep reading to find out how, plus other amazing health benefits that your four-legged friend can bring to your life.
You will feel less stressed
Daily life is stressful; trying to juggle a career with family life, making time to see your friends and keeping on top of your household chores can often feel overwhelming.
However, studies have shown that if you are undertaking a stressful task accompanied by your pet, your stress levels will be lower, and therefore less detrimental to your health than if you were carrying out the same task alone.
If you are worried that you do not have enough time to care for a pet properly, this does not mean you cannot get one for you and your family.
Instead, look into a company such as heartandpaw.com who can help you with areas such as grooming, veterinary care and even, doggy daycare.
Your blood pressure can be lowered
This is more attributed to dog owners, but having a pet has the potential to lower your blood pressure, by decreasing your stress levels and creating a sense of calm in your home.
A pet also offers unconditional love, meaning their owners feel safe in the knowledge that whatever has happened to cause them stress and raise their blood pressure, their pet will always love them and be there for them.
You can experience less pain
If you suffer from chronic pain, pet therapy is proven to help alleviate your symptoms by reducing your anxiety levels and distracting you from any pain or discomfort you may be feeling.
If you, or a family member, are recovering from an operation or surgery and don’t want to become reliant on pain killers, a pet can be extremely beneficial in helping you deal with pain and putting you on your road to recovery.
Your mood will be boosted
As well as the many physical health benefits, owning a pet can also help with your mental wellbeing, most notably that it can improve your overall mood.
Not only can a pet provide you with laughter, love, and companionship, but they also give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
You may not feel like wanting to get up and take care of yourself, but you will most likely be willing to face the day in order to look after and meet the needs of your beloved pet.
You will feel less lonely
Loneliness affects most people at some point in their lives, but having a pet gives you a great opportunity to go out and meet other like-minded individuals.
All you need to do is head over to your local park in the morning and you are guaranteed to meet other dog owners who all share your passion for pooches.
Alternatively, there are many online forums and social groups that are aimed at specific pet owners; whether you have a cat, a rabbit, like a Flemish Giant or a more unusual pet such as a pygmy hedgehog or a lizard, there is something for everyone.
