Tuesday December 5th, 2023

Having a pet benefits our health

You bet it helps! This is not just a random statement. There are many scientific studies to show that having an animal as a companion can be beneficial in various ways.

The first thing that might come to mind here is the company that a pet can offer us, but the benefits they bring go even further than that.

An animal does not judge, it will not laugh at us ever and nor will it discriminate against us for our physical appearance or because we have done something wrong. That is why a great number of psychologists use animals to strengthen self-esteem, to help people express their emotions or to instill good habits.

If you do not yet have a pet, we are going to give you 10 reasons to change your mind:

  1. They release happiness hormones

After playing with their pets, the owners experience an increase in oxytocin, known as the love molecule.

  1. They improve cardiac health

Many studies show that just petting our dog or watching the fish in the tank for a short time has a relaxing effect which lowers our heart rates.

  1. They reduce the chances of getting sick

That’s right. They say that children who grew up with dogs around them are less prone to catching illnesses. It’s true. The experts defend the hypothesis that by being more exposed to dirt, the children develop stronger immune systems.

  1. They improve physical fitness

Taking them out for a walk, or simply playing with them, is a physical activity which is always beneficial.

  1. They decrease stress

By interacting with animals, we experience more waves of relaxation and a reduction in stress hormones.

  1. They improve social life

An excuse to meet new people among the group that forms around you when you take your dogs for a walk in a crowded place.

  1. They relieve loneliness and depression

  1. They strengthen self-esteem

Pet owners have greater self-esteem and tend to be more outgoing, less fearful and they are more aware of what is going on in their surroundings.

  1. They stimulate children

As well as playing with them, having a pet is a good opportunity to teach the little ones to be responsible and to respect and look after animals.

10. They make us laugh