Top 8 Benefits Of Keeping A Pet

Our pets keep us company, and they give us unconditional love regardless of our mood or how we look that day. For many people, they’re like family, and the idea of not having them around seems impossible.

While it’s true that you don’t have to own a pet to live an enjoyable life, there are plenty of benefits to owning one that makes live much more fun.

It is also fun shopping for them as well, especially adding their favorite treats to your cart in an online pet store.

So we created the top 8 benefits of keeping a pet of your own!

Is Having A Pet For Everyone?

Some people simply do not want a pet; it’s not for everyone. Some people, however, find that pets are an excellent source of companionship, and studies have shown that pets can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety and even alleviate loneliness.

If you’re interested in having a pet, there are many ways to choose your companion.

Small animals such as gerbils or hamsters are great if you live alone, whereas cats or dogs are better suited for those with space and time who would like companionship throughout the day.

Whether you choose to add an animal to your family is up to you—but be sure that you know what you’re getting into before taking on responsibility for another living thing!

8 Benefits at Peak of Keeping A Pet

1) Pets lower blood pressure

Having a pet can help lower your blood pressure, according to one study. In particular, researchers found that women who owned dogs had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those who didn’t have pets.

Researchers believe that having soft, warm companions around may be relaxing. So if you have hypertension or simply need to reduce stress levels, consider getting an adorable little dog like a Boston terrier or French bulldog!

2) Pets reduce stress

Research has shown that pets decrease anxiety and lower levels of stress hormones in humans. This is especially important for young children, whose stress and anxiety are linked to chronic illnesses like asthma, allergies, and arthritis.

If you’re feeling anxious or upset, talk to your doctor about adding a pet to your family. It’s worth noting that pets can be expensive—especially if you have an exotic animal—so don’t take on more than you can handle financially or emotionally.

3) Pets encourage exercise

If you’re looking for another reason to exercise, consider getting a pet. You’ll feel happier and more energetic when you regularly interact with your pet. As a bonus, walking Fido is also a great way to meet new people in your neighborhood.

Studies show that people who walk their dogs are significantly more likely to get out of their houses and connect with others than those who don’t.

Consider becoming friends with neighbors or nearby dog owners at local parks; you never know what interesting people you might meet while taking care of your pet!

4) Pets promote friendship

A team at Brigham Young University found that college students living with pets (mostly dogs) had stronger friendship ties than those who didn’t.

The health benefits are real: A University of Missouri study found that women with pets were less likely to feel depressed, anxious, or lonely and experienced lower stress levels compared to pet-less women.

Pets keep you active: Whether it’s walking your dog, playing fetch in your backyard, or going for an outdoor jog, having a pet will get you moving more throughout your day. And, if you have an indoor cat you can try out these great ideas for getting them to exercise on their own.

Related: Things You Should Know When Advocating for Your Beloved Pets

5) Pets help you live longer

Several studies have found that people who have pets can live longer than those who don’t. One study by Oxford University conducted over two decades showed that dog owners had a 36% lower risk of heart disease and cancer than non-dog owners.

Plus, several other studies have linked pets with decreased blood pressure and cholesterol as well as stronger immune systems for their owners!

6) There are therapeutic benefits

Having a pet around can be extremely therapeutic for you—more so than for your children, according to researchers at Ohio State University. Pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, fewer bouts of depression, and higher self-esteem, simply because they have someone to love unconditionally.

Studies have also shown that pets can reduce feelings of loneliness in older adults and seniors who live alone. In addition, pet ownership has been proven to help children with ADHD concentrate better in school.

There’s even evidence that kids who have pets do better on tests and get into college more often than those without one! The only drawback? Pets are notorious for boosting allergies among young children and their parents.

7) Animals benefit from humans

To understand why animals benefit from humans, you first have to understand their natural state. These days most people don’t have much experience with nature, and just because we’re not seeing a wild animal doesn’t mean it is living in its natural environment.

For instance, did you know that lions don’t usually live in pride? Lions live with pride members only as cubs or when they are old enough to mate. Otherwise, they are left alone by other pride members until they die or leave.

Read More: How Often Do You Take A Cat To The Vet?

8) They make you smile

The first time you see your puppy roll over onto his back, wiggling his toes in happiness, it’s going to be hard not to smile. Our pets are always there to put us in a good mood.

Research even shows that dog owners have lower blood pressure and cortisol levels than those without dogs. This means less stress and more positivity—and isn’t that what we all want?

Conclusion

Pets are great for your health! Not only do they offer unconditional love, but also scientific studies have shown that pets can be good for our mental and physical health. Keeping a pet could be just what you need to live longer.

Additionals:

Tips To Care For Your Dog’s Coat And Skin

How To Keep Your Dog Heated In Winter?

Looking After Your Dog as It Gets Older

Golden Gone Gray? 6 Highly-Recommended Pet Products For Your Senior Dog