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It has long been known that a family pet can have a positive impact on their owner’s lives making them happier and healthier.
Pet owners usually depend on their pets for physical, emotional and psychological strength. Their comforting presence is often connected to favorable health benefits ranging from low blood pressure to reduced stress levels.
6 Benefits of Having a Pet
If you are a non-pet owner and are still skeptical on the benefits of having a pet then here are a few reasons to change your mind.
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Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
Pets help lower your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. It has been proven that the act of stroking your pet has the effect of reducing its owner’s blood pressure. An even specific research study also suggested that even when the pet is not present; its favorable effects still continue establishing a conclusion that just owning a pet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Proven to Show Overall Improved Health
A pet owner was also proven to show overall improved health and fewer medical care visits. Studies that were conducted in dogs and long-haired cat breeds suggested that pet owners who have experienced a serious illness were significantly to survive a year after major surgery or heart attack.
Pets were said to affect survival rates more than having a partner or friends. Their pets give them a reason to live and recover quickly.
Reduced Stress Level
A pet owner has a reduced stress level. A pet can lift your spirits up no matter how bad your day may have been. A simple act of petting your cat can help slow your heart rate and reduce your blood pressure.
Reduce Loneliness and Fight Depression
Owning a pet can reduce loneliness and help fight depression especially in patients in nursing homes. According to researchers, reduced loneliness may be due to the companionship that a pet offers to his owner. It also helps a patient cope with the stress of their illness. The study also proved that patients without pets are more likely to experience depression.
In short, pets serve as a form of antidepressant which increases the release of endorphins which is a hormone associated with the feeling of euphoria. Pet therapy programs are also used in old age homes wherein pets are brought to interact with the elderly, making the patients more relaxed and be distracted from pain and loneliness.
Getting More Exercise
Pet owners are getting more exercise. It may either be walking with your dog or just cleaning your bird cage. Taking care of a pet will get you some extra exercise.
Improves Family Life
Pet ownership improves family life and assists in childhood development. Pets often help family members to be more compassionate toward others which has an optimistic impact on dealing with each other and other people. They play significant roles if a family experiences a crisis like an illness or death.
Studies have also linked children with pets having higher self-esteem and greater cognitive development. Participating in activities like selecting their first cat from a list of long-haired cat breeds up to giving them the responsibility to take care of it will enhance their social skills and empathy for others.
Anyone who has cared for a pet, whatever it may be, will be able to understand their role in their owner’s physical, emotional and psychological well being. Unlike material possessions, pets offer warmth, love and unconditional affection. They make you laugh and you can forget your problems even if just for a short time. With a pet, you will have a healthier and happier life that no other possession can offer.
