Keeping a pet has a mutual benefit for both the owner and the pet. While we provide, fend and feed our pets, here are some ways they also improve our lives.
- Pets improve your mood: Recent studies have proven that animals help to promote a positive mood when you interact with them. Furthermore, spending time with your dog increases the level of your love hormone which keeps you in a good mood.
- Pets improve self-esteem: A research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has shown that pet owners have stronger self-esteem than people who don’t keep a pet. Part of this is related to the connection and interaction they create between their owner and other people.
- Pets reduce Loneliness: Beyond boosting self-esteem, people who have a pet are less likely to be lonely compared to non-pet owners. A study discovered that pet owners have their social needs met effectively by their pets same way as their friends.
- Pets offers connection: Humans crave attention and pets provide this in two ways. The Human-Dog interaction and Human-Human interaction. Dogs are called Man’s best friend because of the connection and companionship they offer. Connection with people is common when a stranger admires your pets and would like to interact with them. Some of these strangers end up being your friend, all thanks to your pet.
- Pets improve your immune system: Several studies have shown that dogs boost the immune system of the owners by increasing the level of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that plays a major role in the immune system of the body. Babies that are raised together with pets have fewer tendencies towards colds, asthma, allergies, and ear infections during childhood because of an enhanced immunity.
- Dogs work for us: Dogs help people with disabilities and are trained as therapy dogs. Some dogs can detect low blood sugar and are used to monitor diabetic patients while some can spot epileptic seizures and inform the closest human. Beyond domestic use, dogs are used in the police force, rescue services, customs, airports and armed forces.
- Dogs and Cats reduce stress and anxiety: Petting a pet help to reduce stress and anxiety. The activity releases a lot of stress-relieving hormones in your bloodstream which helps you feel better. Dogs are used in Courtrooms, airports, classroom, and hospitals to help reduce stress.
- Walking your dog improves your physical fitness: Dogs motivate you to exercise. A dog owner who walks a dog regularly is more likely to meet the recommended 150 minutes weekly exercise compared to people who don’t own and walk their dog. It also improves cardiovascular health.
- Pets lower your risk of heart disease: A research showed that owning a cat lowers your risk of heart disease. A study further reported that people who have suffered heart attacks are more likely to live longer if they own a pet than those who do not. Activities like talking and interacting with a pet also help to reduce blood pressure.
- Pets are fun to be with: Dogs and cats are fun to be with. They are playful and they create fun at every opportunity from chasing their toy balls to playing with their owners. Amid the hustle and bustle of life, they teach us to enjoy life and have fun.
