The Benefits of Owning A Pet

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 3

The Benefits of owning a pet

1) They keep you fit


All breeds of dog need regular, daily walks in order to stay happy and healthy, and so do we! However, we
sometimes have the tendency to get a bit lazy – if that sounds like you, a dog is the perfect cure! They’ll
be dragging you out the front door and making you run around the park each and every day. A dog is
possibly the best personal trainer you could ask for.
2) They make sure you’re never lonely
If you live by yourself, or your partner works different shift patterns to you, it can get awfully lonely at
home – unless you have a pet, of course! Cats and dogs make great companions – they’ll always be
waiting for you to come home and they’ll be happy to lend an ear should you want to moan about the
awful day you’ve had. Plus, most of the time, they’re up for a snuggle on the sofa.
3) They lower your stress levels
Modern life is stressful and high levels of anxiety can lead to numerous health problems. Luckily, pets can
really help us relax – stroking your cat or simply watching fish swim around in a tank can make your
worries melt away. Previous studies have proven that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure,
cholesterol and triglyceride levels than people who don’t own a pet. That means having a furry pal can
decrease the chances of suffering a heart attack later in life.
4) They can help you make friends
The pet owner community is an incredibly friendly one – you’ll often find that people will stop to talk to you
about your dog in the park. Having a pet is a great way to meet new people and create bonds quickly,
especially if you’re not too good at small talk. You never know, owning a dog may help you meet the love
of your life!
5) They can improve your immune system
Pets spend a lot of their time outside and therefore bring all sorts of dirt and germs into your home. This
isn’t necessarily a bad thing though – the additional germs can help improve your immunity to colds and
other mild illnesses. In fact, previous studies have shown that babies who live with a dog tend to
experience fewer infections and are generally healthier than those who don’t.
6) They can stop your children from developing allergies
While it’s no guarantee that owning a pet will stop your children from developing certain allergies, the
evidence suggests the dander in their fur may help. However, it’s worth noting that you should never own
a cat or dog if you are allergic to them – you won’t suddenly become immune!
7) They can catch cancer early
It’s no secret that a dogs’ sense of smell is incredible, but did you know that some canines are capable of
detecting cancer? Several pet owners have reported that their dog saved their life, after they noticed they
were constantly pawing at, sniffing or even licking a tumour hidden underneath the skin.
8) They can teach kids responsibility
Every parent has heard the question ‘Can I have a pony/puppy/hamster?’ at some point in their child’s
life. It’s no secret that kids love animals, and if they’re old enough, having one as a pet can actually teach
them a lot of important skills. Not only will they learn the practical skills required to own a pet, such as
cleaning out the cage, grooming and teaching tricks; they’ll also develop their nurturing and empathy
skills, which are vital in later life.
9) They make you feel safe
Not everyone likes being home alone, but having a cat or dog there can make your feel a lot safer. Plus,
burglars are less likely to target a house that’s clearly home to a dog. Some breeds make excellent guard
dogs and will even protect you when you’re out for a run or walk.
10) They can provide companionship to children with learning difficulties
Children with autism and similar learning disorders often find it difficult talking to fellow human beings, but
they have no problem at all with chatting away to friendly animals. After all, your pets can’t answer back
and will always keep your secrets!

Studies have shown that forming a relationship with an animal can have important health and
psychological benefits. Owning a pet or interacting regularly with animals can lower humans’ blood
pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase their social interaction. People who have dogs
also tend to get more exercise from regular walks.
It doesn’t really matter what kind of pet you have, whether it’s a cat or a dog, a fish or a ferret, an iguana
or a horse. What’s important is developing a relationship with an animal. Having a pet often provides
people with a reason for enjoying life and connecting with others.Most people read and hear regularly
about the importance of staying healthy and living longer through diet and exercise. While it’s definitely
smart to follow that advice, you can do something else to help keep your mind and body in optimum
condition. Connect with a critter — it goes a long way toward making you happy and healthy.

Studies have shown that forming a relationship with an animal can have important health and
psychological benefits. Owning a pet or interacting regularly with animals can lower humans’ blood
pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase their social interaction. People who have dogs
also tend to get more exercise from regular walks.

It doesn’t really matter what kind of pet you have, whether it’s a cat or a dog, a fish or a ferret, an iguana
or a horse. What’s important is developing a relationship with an animal. Having a pet often provides
people with a reason for enjoying life and connecting with others.

This can be especially critical for older adults, who sometimes get socially isolated or struggle with finding
a sense of purpose. It commonly happens after seniors retire, their spouse dies, their children and
grandchildren grow up, or their families move away.

Owning a pet serves as a wonderful way to rediscover a sense of purpose. It helps people feel needed
and wanted. After all, most people can’t help but smile when their dog greets them with their tail wagging
or their cat curls up cozily on their lap.
Providing for an animal’s needs by going to the pet store or taking a dog for a walk helps reduce seniors’
social isolation by encouraging them to get out into the world. They may meet new friends at a dog park
or at the pet store when they go to buy more birdseed.

If a cat or dog is too expensive or needy, consider a more low-maintenance pet like a fish. Even these
critters can provide mental and physical benefits. A study at Purdue University found that people with
Alzheimer’s disease are calmer, focus better on eating, and digest their food more easily when they eat
their meals in front of a fish tank.

However, before buying or adopting a pet, be sure to educate yourself about the animal’s specific needs
for maintaining their health and wellness. You don’t want to take on more than you bargained for.

If you aren’t ready to commit to taking an animal into your home — it’s too expensive or too much of a
commitment — there are other ways to benefit from the animal/human connection. Head into nature and
look for birds or other wildlife. Another option is volunteering at an animal shelter or pet sitting for
neighbors or family members who are going on vacation.

Animals are calming, accepting friends that offer unconditional love and kindness, as well as many health
benefits. So think about bringing a pet into your life. You won’t regret it.
This can be especially critical for older adults, who sometimes get socially isolated or struggle with finding
a sense of purpose. It commonly happens after seniors retire, their spouse dies, their children and
grandchildren grow up, or their families move away.

Owning a pet serves as a wonderful way to rediscover a sense of purpose. It helps people feel needed
and wanted. After all, most people can’t help but smile when their dog greets them with their tail wagging
or their cat curls up cozily on their lap.

Providing for an animal’s needs by going to the pet store or taking a dog for a walk helps reduce seniors’
social isolation by encouraging them to get out into the world. They may meet new friends at a dog park
or at the pet store when they go to buy more birdseed.

If a cat or dog is too expensive or needy, consider a more low-maintenance pet like a fish. Even these
critters can provide mental and physical benefits. A study at Purdue University found that people with
Alzheimer’s disease are calmer, focus better on eating, and digest their food more easily when they eat
their meals in front of a fish tank.

However, before buying or adopting a pet, be sure to educate yourself about the animal’s specific needs
for maintaining their health and wellness. You don’t want to take on more than you bargained for.
If you aren’t ready to commit to taking an animal into your home — it’s too expensive or too much of a
commitment — there are other ways to benefit from the animal/human connection. Head into nature and
look for birds or other wildlife. Another option is volunteering at an animal shelter or pet sitting for
neighbors or family members who are going on vacation.

Animals are calming, accepting friends that offer unconditional love and kindness, as well as many health
benefits. So think about bringing a pet into your life. You won’t regret it.

You might also like