Did you know that having a pet improves your quality of life and has many other benefits? Looking after and caring for a pet is a huge responsibility, but the benefits far outweigh the hassle. Whether it’s a conventional pet like a cat or dog, or something more exotic like an iguana, all of them improve the health of their owners.
Pets make you live longer
If you walk your dog every day, you will get exercise every day. When you change the water in your fishbowl, your mind stays active. These physical and mental exercises activate your body and your blood circulation. They will also help you reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Pets help you overcome obstacles
Pets also support people with mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder. This works by helping them channel their emotions and give meaning to their lives.
They can even help prevent illness or identify acute relapses before they set in. Cats and dogs, for example, have a much better sense of smell, so they can better recognize chemical changes in our bodies and warn us if, for example, an epileptic seizure is imminent.
Pets help prevent isolation and loneliness
Your pet can help you overcome negative feelings of loneliness. First and foremost, it ensures that you are in company. This is one of the many reasons older people choose to have a pet, be it a dog, cat, or bird.
Pets can also help you socialize more. You will have more contact with other people. This is because the welfare of a dog is based on frequent walks. And people who have dogs regularly meet other dog owners as they use the same parks and trails.
Pets make us happier
Proper care of a pet and the visible result that they are healthy and happy triggers the production of dopamine and serotonin in the owner. These are the two hormones that are related to happiness and wellbeing. They reduce the cortisol level, the level of the hormone that causes stress. This hormonal activity leads to a feeling of inner calm and balance.
At the end of the day, pets are beings who are sensitive and responsive to emotions. If you love them unconditionally, they will do the same for you and maybe save your life.