Pets can be endearing and a loyal, nonjudgemental companion. They contribute to our well-being in many ways. There are both physical and emotional benefits to being a pet owner. Despite their need to be taken care of, the relationship is mutually beneficial. Pets can:
People with pets have lower blood pressure, heart rates, and cortisol levels in stressful situations. They can help distract and calm us, thereby helping with pain management and anxiety. Even taking time to watch fish swimming in an aquarium helps!
People’s good moods increase (more oxytocin) and bad moods decrease around pets.
Pets provide cognitive stimulation in seeking to understand their needs, in the dynamics of play, as well as in training and guiding behavior.
In some ways, pets help the immune system. Children raised with pets have fewer infections and lower risk of allergies and asthma, and more emotional stability.
Dog owners have a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality, take an average of 2800 more steps in a day and exercise with them an average of 22 minutes a day, which helps with weight.
Pets can provide additional meaning and joy in life. Knowing you have a pet that is waiting for you to come home with wagging tail or purring, showing they care about us, helps one feel loved, and needed. Caring for a pet boosts morale and increases optimism.
Pets improve social interaction. Taking a dog out in public is easily an invitation to conversation and connection to the community. It is easier to make friends when you have something in common, like pet ownership.
Pets live in the moment and can help keep a focus on the here and now, and be more productive.
Exercise becomes a standard routine (more so with dogs), as does a rhythm of bedtime (sleep improves with exercise!) and waking up.
Children can learn how to care for and take responsibility for the well-being of another. They gain a sense of importance, confidence, and a positive self-image.
If you are thinking about getting a pet, take to research the type of pet that suits your needs and lifestyle. There are different characteristics of breeds of animals to consider. Some need more exercise and attention, some may be overprotective or prone to barking, and some are not as constitutionally healthy. You may want to go to a shelter, and just observe how the animals react to you. Interact with those you feel drawn to as a part of the selection process. Or, if your lifestyle does not lend itself to owning a pet, then consider being a regular volunteer at a shelter to help the animals be socialized and exercised as they wait for their forever home.
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17
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