There are many reasons why owning a pet is a good idea, and one of those reasons is that they can be good for your health. Studies have shown that there is a definite correlation between having a pet in your home and feeling fitter and healthier. It’s good for you on an emotional level too and can even improve your immunity. Here are some of the ways that owning a pet can be good for your health.
Less Stressed
Being able to be with a beloved pet can reduce our stress to a more manageable level. This is because, when looking after or playing with a pet, we are fully in the moment, feeling utterly present in our lives and not thinking about anything other than what we’re doing right now. Therefore, those stressful moments that might have been worrying us won’t be in our minds. When we do come back to the ‘real world’ after being with our pets, we’ll be feeling calmer and happier, so those situations that were causing us concern won’t seem so insurmountable anymore.
Stress can be the cause of many other illnesses, so having less of it in our lives is a good thing.
Lower Blood Pressure
Having a pet has the potential to lower our blood pressure, which is hugely beneficial to health. This links to the point above about decreasing stress, as when you are stressed you have higher blood pressure. This can cause many problems including strokes, heart disease, heart attacks, and even type 2 diabetes. Remember, however, that if you have seriously high blood pressure over a prolonged period of time, it could be a good idea to see your doctor as pets alone might not be enough to keep you healthy; you may also need medication.
Less Pain
If you suffer from chronic pain such as that experienced with arthritis or migraines, for example, a pet could help you feel it less. When you are in pain, you feel more anxious. Unfortunately, that anxiety actually makes pain feel even worse, and then you feel more anxious. This can go on and on until you make yourself feel incredibly unwell.
With a pet to take care of, you’ll feel less anxious, and that means that the pain you are feeling will be lessened too. A dog, cat, or other kind of pet won’t cure you, and it won’t take away the pain entirely, but it should help a little.
You’ll Feel Happier
Owning a pet will make you feel happier in general, which has a hugely positive effect on your mental and emotional well-being. Having a pet means that you will always come home to someone who loves you unconditionally, and this alone can boost happiness levels. When you are feeling happy in one aspect of life, you’ll most likely feel happier in other aspects too.
Clinical depression, of course, is another matter entirely, and although pets can help in some respects, this is another time when an expert is essential in order to get to the root of the problem. If you experience any mental health issues, or try to stop any form of self-medication and start to feel signs of alcohol withdrawal, we recommend booking an appointment with someone who can help. You’ll get treatment and your pet will thank you for it because you will be able to take care of them properly once again.
You’ll Socialize More
Owning a pet will give you many more chances to socialize with people, and since studies have shown that spending time with people you like is good for you, and can increase your health and happiness, it’s a good thing. A dog is the best pet for socializing as you need to walk them at least once a day and this means going out and seeing people. You might bump into the same people walking their dogs each day and strike up a conversation. Even a simple hello is better than nothing.
Other pets can also enable you to socialize. You might join local groups, for example, or go to workshops that teach you how to care for a certain type of animal and meet people that way. You could add yourself to an online group or forum and find people to chat to there. Or it could simply be a matter of having something in common with someone you’ve met for the first time.
Can Improve Immunity
It may seem like the logical thing to say that if someone is allergic to animal fur, they shouldn’t have a pet. However, studies have shown that actively being around these animals can improve immunity towards them, particularly for children. This can mean that allergies become less severe or even disappear altogether. Studies are still ongoing as to whether this can help an adult who suffers from pet allergies, however.
Another benefit of owning a pet is that your immune system can be improved in general, and not only in relation to pet allergies. That means you’ll be less likely to catch colds and other illnesses so you’ll feel more healthy all year round.
Helps With ADHD
If a child has ADHD it is difficult for them to express themselves properly. An animal can help them to focus and give them something to talk to when they need help. Simply being able to tell their problems to a pet can make a big difference in the lives of children suffering from ADHD and similar conditions, and it is especially helpful if they are unable or unwilling to communicate with their parents.
Pets offer a predictable, safe routine which can be ideal for ensuring that these children feel more at ease and confident. The simple act of holding an animal, of stroking and petting them, can be a soothing sensory experience. If you’re unable to have a pet due to work commitments or other reasons, then a visit to an animal shelter can also be of help to a child suffering from one of these conditions.
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