5 Empowering Benefits To Owning A Pet

What if I told you that owning a pet can provide you with social, emotional, and best of all, a boost in overall health and well-being?

The companionship and daily interaction with your furry friend can positively influence your mental and physical health in ways you might not have imagined.

Benefit #1
Mood Boosters

Your pet is always happy to see you when you come home. Greets you at the door with a wagging tail and kisses. Or meows, rubs your leg and wants to be petted. They accept you, are non-judgmental, and give you unconditional love.

You feel loved and your self-esteem and confidence will go through the roof.

Benefit #2
Great Exercise

What better way to keep you in shape and rid your pet of its excess energy. He’s the perfect accountability partner! He’s always ready to join you for an evening walk, play with you as you practice yoga, or toss the ball.

These activities will strengthen your bones and muscles, increase your heart rate, lower your cholesterol, and help both of you maintain your ideal weight.

Benefit #3
Social Appeal

You know it’s true! Who can resist talking to someone taking their dog for a walk? Whether it’s a black lab on the way to the dog park carrying his favorite ball or a poodle with a pink rhinestone collar and matching leash. Your dog is a conversation waiting to happen!

Admit it…your pet is an awesome attention-getter and makes you very proud!

Benefit #4
Helps To Control Blood Pressure

In the 2002 study, researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo showed that when involved in a stressful situation, people experienced less stress when their pets were with them than with a spouse or close friend. Those with pets also had lower “reactivity” to the stress test and returned to baseline levels more quickly.

This works the other way, too. Pets get stressed out in certain situations and benefit from you being with them. Like those trips to the vet.

Benefit #5
Calms Nerves

Have you ever found yourself petting your cat and didn’t realize you were doing it? Did you feel very relaxed brushing your dog? Watched fish swim lazily in your aquarium in a hypnotic daze?

This calming effect on humans happens when the body releases a powerful hormone called oxytocin. This response also helps create a bond with your pet.

So whether it’s a dog, cat, ferret, hamster or fish, owning a pet provides health benefits for humans…and animals, too. 

Leave a comment on how your pet helps you!

Genuinely,

Brenda