5 Ways Pets Improve Our Health and Wellbeing
Almost every pet owner worldwide loves their pet and regards them as part of the family. They provide many benefits and fill various kinds of vacuum that fellow humans cannot. They are good companions for going on a walk, playing and some people even go as far as talking or singing with their pets.
A series of evidence attests that attachment to pets comes with a series of benefits to humans, both physical and mental. In addition, there have been several forms of research that suggest that your lifestyle improves when you have a pet.
Based on a 2017 study by Mother Nature Network, the presence of a dog can significantly reduce the probability of death from cardiovascular disease. The research involved almost 4 million pet owners in Sweden with different age groups. The research further revealed that individuals living alone but had a dog had a 33% lower chance of dying in general and a 36% lower chance of cardiovascular death.
In addition, another research from the Journal of Physical Activity and Health revealed that dog owners had a 54% chance of meeting the ideal level of physical activity compared to those without a dog. Without a doubt, having a pet improves your life in more ways than you can imagine. A pet makes you happy, reduces your anxiety, depression, and stress level. In addition, simply playing with a dog can improve the level of dopamine and oxytocin (the feel-good hormone) in the brain. This translates to positive feelings and bonding for the pet and its owner.
Many benefits come from having and caring for a pet, which is way more than the positive feeling or excitement of owning one. Here are five benefits of a pet for our mental and physical well-being:
1. Pets Can Reduce Stress
Stress is common and has been the norm in our daily life. Deadlines from work, relationship troubles, economic woes, etc., have a way of sapping our peace. It affects one emotionally and physically, leading to high blood pressure, heart problems, and other health issues.
There is this calm and cool demeanor about pets that can translate to their owners. According to experts, simple possession and caring for an animal, especially a pet, can boost the dopamine production level – the brain chemical responsible for happiness and feel good. With your pets handy, they keep you at the moment, make you feel good rather than worrying about something you have no control over.
When you take time to walk your pet, it creates the perfect time to practice mindfulness. Optimum focus on the moment can give you a time out from the demand, hustle, and bustle of life. Concentrating on your immediate environment can help you appreciate the world around you as you watch your thoughts disappear, which will go a long way to relieve the pressures and stress of life.
Mindfulness helps you focus on the moment, giving a substantial impact on mental wellbeing. It can be a great tool to let go of worry about past or future events. Even simply caring for your pet or the act of grooming and using dog combs on them can relieve stress.
2. Pets Increase Social interactions
Having a dog makes it compulsory for you to have a series of outdoor activities, as they are good at socializing. This increases the dog owner’s chances of connecting with similar people in the community. Moreover, it is good for introverts as canines have a way of dragging you to another dog passing by. In addition, this creates an opportunity for bonding and social interaction, sparing you of the hassle of thinking about how to connect with the person.
Connection to others is essential for our mental wellbeing as humans are social creatures, and we thrive on regular social interaction. Positive interaction sets the stage for a better mood. Having a pet also gives you the license to join animal clubs or participate in pet-oriented events at the beach or park.
3. Lowers the Chance of Cardiovascular Disease
One of the significant causes of death in America is Heart Disease, according to research from the CDC. It can be traced to high blood pressure and the aftermath of stress. Pets have a way of producing calmness in their owner, thereby reducing stress and lowering their risk of developing heart illness.
The American Heart Association revealed that the presence of a pet could reduce your risk of heart disease. People with a dog as a pet particularly enjoy lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol levels, which can be traced to the time dedicated to walking the dogs. According to a study, dog owners, compared to non-dog owners, had more physical activity like walking. As a result, they were more likely to meet the recommended level of their physical activity.
4. Helps with Therapy Assistance and Special Needs
Pets stand out for their ability to detect illness in humans and relieve anger, anxiety, and stress in people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. Many military veterans have trouble adjusting to society due to the series of wars and horrible events they witnessed. This set of people can get help by adopting a dog to ease their anxiety level. This is the mission of some firms like K9 for warriors.
Cats and dogs can also assist with physical therapy. In addition, they can provide emotional comfort for the patient of stroke or those with a terminal disease. Some dogs assist with elder care to give comfort and companionship, reducing loneliness, stress, and anxiety in them.
5. Pets give Stability, Routine, and Purpose.
The act of owning and caring for an animal can encourage humans to take care of themselves. A healthy routine and stability are vital for mental health. When you work with a routine to take care of your pet, it can give stability and a sense of purpose.
Pets rely on their owner for health and feeding. In addition, they need cleaning, grooming, walking, which requires time and dedication. Such a level of accountability can promote your mental health. No matter how sad or overwhelmed you feel, one adorable look from your pet can lift your mood and fill you with positive energy.
Conclusion
Having a pet can be the best thing that will ever happen to you. It can change your life and reward you with several health benefits. Provided you can commit to the responsibility that comes with owning a pet, you will be rewarded immensely.