Benefits Of Having A Pet
Pets have a beneficial power on humans. A dog, a cat or even a colorful fish can have a therapeutic effect on the health of their owners. Our little friends can be a remedy for loneliness and stress, and they can help increase our level of interaction in society. Caring for a pet can even help you live longer.
The advantages of having a pet at home
While the immediate joys of living with animals are well known to most pet owners, many others are still unaware of the benefits they bring to physical and mental health.
Recent studies have associated the presence of pets, especially dogs, with a lower risk of contracting heart disease. Another relevant fact is that owning a pet leads to greater longevity among its owners. But that’s not all.
Research has also shown that pet owners rarely suffer from depression, will be less stressed and will have lower blood pressure.
On the other hand, playing with animals certainly leads to feeling more relaxed, increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine; at the same time cholesterol and triglycerides will be reduced. Owning animals improves people’s mood by making people adopt healthy habits such as going out for walks. They are a relief for those people suffering from bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, depression or anxiety.
Taking care of a pet means paying constant attention to its needs, and it makes life much more eventful, as you are somehow obliged to exercise – you have to walk the dog at least once a day. . Animals are also great companions, and help them become more sociable, since when you take them for a walk they often get distracted and meet other people to chat with.
Pets make excellent companions for older people. In fact, they allow you to pass a healthy old age, making this phase of life more cheerful, more active and helping to have a more agile memory. They stimulate vitality and allow them to stay in touch with society.
Adopting a pet is a great choice if you have children. It will make them more friendly, active, sensitive and responsible. In the case of autistic or hyperactive children, animals have been shown to help in a variety of therapies.
If you want a pet …
If you have decided to bring a pet home, it is very important that you take some aspects into consideration. Especially if you opt for a dog, know that he will need to spend hours outdoors. If you’re the type who spends most of your time indoors, your best bet is to choose an animal that doesn’t have that kind of need, such as a cat, a fish, or a bird.
If you are an active person and like to do outdoor activities every day, especially if you like to go out walking and running, an energetic dog will be the best choice for you. You can combine business with pleasure by keeping both of you moving.
Families with small children or older people living under the same roof will need to take into account the size and energy level of the animal. Puppies and cats are usually very active, while large or playful dogs may hurt or accidentally hit small children or adults, both of which are very fragile.
If you already have pets, the arrival of a new family member could be a welcome change. However, if your current pet has had exclusive access to your attention, they may struggle to accept living with another pet.
Finally, it is very important that you take into account that having a pet in your home involves certain compromises and responsibilities. Their presence will keep you company for ten years or even up to thirty years, in the case of a bird. But animals need to be taken care of, and if you don’t believe you can take that responsibility, your best bet is to avoid taking one.
And don’t forget, if you are about to adopt a pet, remember that there are many dogs and cats looking for a home, and maybe you can get them a place full of love to spend a happy life.
