Surprising benefits of having a pet

If you're wondering whether to introduce a pet to your home, you've probably already considered some of the downsides to acquiring a furry companion. The responsibility, the expense, the pet hair, the potential noise, the limited lifespan of dogs and cats all mean that becoming a pet owner is a significant commitment.

But pets can ease loneliness, boost our moods, and keep us active and fit. Whether you opt to own a dog or a cat - or maybe both - the extraordinary bond between us and our pets means that they soon become a much-loved part of the family. Read on to discover some more benefits of having a pet.

Pets make us feel safer and less alone

Having a dog by our side can help us feel safer, whether going out after dark or in specific locations. And just having them there to talk to makes us feel less alone. In addition, dogs give you the opportunity to meet other dog walkers and chat about your pets.

Pets are good for your heart

Being a dog owner will keep you active and boost your energy levels. A dog not only keeps you company but also encourages you to exercise more, which may be beneficial to your cardiac health.

Owning a dog has also been linked to reduced cardiovascular risk. You don't need to take your pet on long hikes, just being more active by playing with them in the garden or the park will keep you and your dog healthy.

Pets can help reduce anxiety and stress

Cats and dogs can be fantastic for lowering stress levels and reducing anxiety. After all, they're there for us every day, come rain or shine, and will be by our side while we face challenging moments. Anyone who owns a pet will know how calming and reassuring it is to cuddle or play with them after a difficult day.

The therapeutic value of a pet is clear when it comes to settings such as hospitals, schools and care homes. Animals can be beneficial in assisting recovery and providing company and support when we are at our most vulnerable.

Pets help us keep fit

Exercising with your dog is a brilliant way to improve your fitness while strengthening your bond. Walking, hiking or running with your dog will all improve your strength and fitness. And exercising outdoors will lift your mood and improve your mental health.

Pets help us to be more sociable

It can be daunting to meet new friends (or even old ones), but having a dog by your side can help break the ice - you'll soon have an endless store of cute, funny stories to tell. Your furry companion may also help you feel more at ease when venturing into a new place or visiting family and friends.

Pets help us cope in a crisis

We all face challenging times in our lives, and pets can help us through traumas such as bereavements. Our faithful companions are always there to provide comfort and unconditional love. And it has long been recognised that dogs can provide support for people with PTSD (post-traumatic support disorder)

Pets can provide companionship

Pets such as guide dogs or hearing dogs trained to help with a specific need are fantastic companions for people with learning or physical disabilities. Community dogs in schools and care homes are also much-loved furry friends to provide comfort and support to the residents.

Cats, too, provide affection and reassurance, greeting you when you come in and cuddling up with you on the couch.

Pets can teach children responsibility

Pets are fantastic companions for children and help to teach them life skills such as having a daily routine and being responsible for feeding or brushing them. Having a pet by their side can also help children be more confident and overcome any worries or anxieties, such as making new friends or going to places they find daunting.

Kids can also help train a new pet, which can improve their self-confidence and help them understand different behaviours. Getting your pet accustomed to their new home can take time and patience. If a new cat or dog is stressed or anxious as they adapt to their new environment, Bach Flowers for Dogs and Bach Flowers for Cats can help them to feel calmer and more comfortable while they settle in.

A final word - pets make us happier!

A pet is a lifelong commitment, and preparing for a pet is a serious task. So, do your research and consider all the pros and cons - which will be different for every family - before making your decision. But for many of us, the positive aspects of caring for a pet far outweigh the disadvantages.

From breezy walks to endless games and snuggly cuddles, pets provide a bond and a relationship that brings lasting benefits. Put simply, pets bring joy to our lives!

Sources:

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/the-benefits-of-owning-a-pet

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/pets/the-benefits-of-pet-ownership

Other articles

Why not me?

It's natural to compare our own lives with those of others - weighing up the pros and cons of situations helps us make decisions. But there can be a downside when you find you're constantly comparing yourself with others, envying their seemingly perfect lives and wondering why they are luckier, more prosperous, and better looking than you.

Let's make 2021 better than 2020

For many people, 2020 has been one of the worst years they can remember. The COVID -19 pandemic and social unrest have changed our lives in ways we would not have believed possible a year ago. And when January 2021 comes around, we're still likely to be facing many challenges. Can 2021 be a better year?

Animal behaviour, like human behaviour, is affected by emotions

More and more animal lovers are discovering the benefits of Bach Flower remedies when used to treat problem animal behaviour. Alternative therapist vets use Bach Flower remedies to treat emotional issues...

10 Tips to get the best out of every day

When we’re stuck in a bit of a rut, the days and nights slip past so quickly that we barely notice them. But life is not a rehearsal!

Stop worrying and live in the moment

People spend so much of their time regretting the past and worrying about the future. But it’s not worth it! Even what happened yesterday doesn't matter anymore! Let go of the past and the future and make the most of every moment.

How to spice up your life

Do you feel you're always doing the same things and not getting anywhere? It's common to feel stuck in a rut, treading water and just going through the motions.

7 Reasons Why Your Child is Underperforming

As parents, we often worry about a poor school report as much, if not more, as our kids do! And if your child's grades are slipping, you'll be looking for reasons and if there's anything you can do to help.

Even the brightest minds have setbacks!

We all want to be successful but many of us find the path to achieving our dreams is blocked by our fear of failure. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, go backpacking around the world or start up a new business, you need to accept that you might fail many times over before you achieve success.

What to do when the spark is fading

Why do you feel butterflies at the start of a new romance, and how can you keep the flame burning in a long term relationship as the spark starts to fade?

Live Forever: the Habits of People Who Live a Long, Healthy Life

Legends of immortality have been told and retold throughout history. From ancient Greek myths to modern movies and novels, the dream of eternal youth has been passed down from generation to generation.