The Benefits of Having a Pet.

Pets: they are cuddly, cute companions, there for your highs, your lows and everything in between. Whether as humongous and valiant as a horse, or simply as small as an insect who just scuttles around, pets are perfect for everyone and are always there for support. But it can be more than just emotional support that pets are good for, did you know? As you dive into this article, you will learn the hidden secrets and wonders of our pets and how they can be more than just endearing.

Our pets are great for many purposes: helping us make daily routines, making us get out more, convincing us to take on more responsibilities or just giving us some time to unwind with someone. But I’m sure that you didn't know that having a pet can actually lower the likelihood of various diseases that affect your physical state, did you? Yes, it is true that owning a pet can decrease the risk of various diseases and conditions: lower chance of high blood pressure, improve conditions associated with high blood pressure and lower risk of cardiovascular disease, (especially in the cases of dog owners according to American Heart Association and the Current Hypertension Reports). It’s incredible really - such small creatures can have such amazing abilities - almost like superpowers!

Alongside this, dog owners specifically have more benefits than an unlimited supply of kisses, muddy paws and drool puddles. According to Current Hypertension Reports, ‘Dog owners also tend to have lower resting heart rates and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than non-owners’. The benefits of this include lower chance of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, strokes and the need of cardiac catheterizations or bypass surgeries. Furthermore, it is an undisputed fact that dog owners tend to be healthier than the average person. This is due to many factors – the main one being that dogs need at least one long walk per day. This fact in itself contributes to overall cardiovascular fitness or just fitness in general as taking a walk keeps you active and healthy.

Now that we have established the fact that having a pet really can boost your physical health, I am sure that you are wondering: what about your mental health? Well, I am certain (although you may not have fully recognized it) that you have experienced the feeling of intense happiness when in the presence of an animal. This sensation is the release of oxytocin, the so-called love hormone, as Dr. Beth Frates from the Department of Surgery in Harvard stated. Pets can trigger this pleasing positivity and improve your mental health majorly just from the sight of them. It’s bizarre but beautiful how your pets can really impact your mood!

Although having a pet can benefit everyone, they can vastly impact people with mental health conditions specifically.  The Mental Health Foundation did some extensive research and came to this conclusion: ‘for individuals with ADHD or autism, pets can offer calming effects and help in developing social skills and routines’. This statement describes how pets can help provide a structure in day-to-day life that neurodivergent people may need. The Mental Health Foundation also claimed that ‘pets offer companionship and unconditional love, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and provide emotional support’, contributing yet another reason as to why pets useful to have in your life!

Many people avoid getting a pet for one main reason: they believe they are hard work. But that is simply not true. Taking care of a pet can be as simple as tipping a little food into a fish tank, but even a simple tasks like this can bring a sense of self-esteem and confidence. Don’t believe me? Well, it has been proven that ‘caring for a pet can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment, especially if you are feeling isolated’ according to the Mental Health Foundation after countless studies. And for those who are still determined not to believe the facts in front of you, Harvard Health confirms the fact that walking a dog or going to a pet-friendly place leads to increased social interactions and helps to combat loneliness.

So, what are you waiting for? Now that you are enlightened on how pets are guaranteed to improve both physical and mental health, march down to the pet adoption shelter and rehome a furry friend. There’s no time to waste!

Evelyn 7MAP