Puppy Love: the Benefits of Pet Ownership

Pets are our best friends and confidants; not only are they a part of our lives but a part of our families. Ask any pet owner about how their pet plays a role in their lives and expect that they will have many stories to share about how their lives have been enriched.

Pet ownership is nothing new. Pets have been kept as far back as 2000 B.C and were loved and worshiped by their owners. There have been many discoveries of the mummified bodies of dogs and cats that have been preserved alongside their owners.

Studies have shown that people who own pets are healthier over all. Having a pet can make you a happier, productive and more mentally fit. So how can owning a pet change your health?

First, there are physical benefits to pet ownership. Pet owners by default are simply more active because of their pets. Dog owners especially, increase the amount of exercise they are able to get simply by exercising their dogs. It’s a great reason to consider taking an animal into your home if you want a companion to commit to.

Petting and stroking your cat or dog has also been proven to lower your blood pressure and heart rate, while the pleasure we get from giving love to our pets releases serotonin and dopamine.

Pets give us unconditional love that many of us lack in our lives. Having someone stick with you through the good times and the bad helps provide you with relief from day-to-day stresses and pressures of life. Studies have shown that pets increased the odds of survival of a heart attack from just 1 in 87 to as much as 1 in 15. It has also been shown that pets that like to spend time with you have owners who experience less stress.

Remember though that even though the benefits of having a pet can be great you should carefully consider your own situation before adopting or purchasing an animal. Pet ownership is not for everyone and it should not be jumped into without thought. Remember that your pet is a member of your family and requires attention and love. Your pet relies on you entirely for its wellbeing, so be sure that you are ready to make room in your life and home for a pet.