Here’s Why Caring For Pets Is Good For Your Health

Pets are part of the family, offering companionship, comedy and fun for their favorite people. But pets also provide a boost to your health. Caring for our four-, two- or no-legged (think snakes) companions can improve our physical and mental wellbeing in a variety of ways, from lowering stress to developing better physical health. Here’s why caring for pets is good for your health.

Pets Lower Your Stress Levels

90% of pet owners in a recent study said their pet helped them cope emotionally with lockdowns in 2020. From providing company in isolation to some light comedy relief, having a pet when you’re stuck at home is an instant stress reliever. Stroking a pet has been shown to lower your stress levels by reducing your blood pressure, calming you down and relaxing you. Maintaining healthy blood pressure also links to your physical wellbeing, keeping your heart healthier for longer. Pets can distract you from stress by helping you to be present in the moment. They are also a source of hilarity, and as we all know, laughter is great for boosting mental wellbeing and physical health.

Pets Give You Someone To Care For

We all have moments when we don’t look after ourselves properly. But with a pet, you have an instant buddy who relies on you to care for them. You need to treat yourself right in order to keep them healthy and well. Who doesn’t love treating their pets to the highest quality food? Just like humans, our faithful friends need a healthy nutritious diet to thrive. For your canine companions, dogfoodcare.com is a great source of information on the best dog food available. Pets are a good reminder that it’s time to care for yourself too.

Pets Teach You To Live In The Moment

Pets don’t worry about what they’re going to do from one moment to the next – they just do it! From your puppy to your parrot, they all tend to do what they want, whenever they want to. It’s a great way of looking at the world, particularly at a time of stress or worry. They tend to rope you into it as well, whether it’s throwing a ball with your dog or teasing your cat with a piece of string. The joy they experience in every moment is a great reminder to their human owners to live in the moment.

Pets Improve Your Physical Health

Dog owners report the most physical health benefits over other pet owners, with their pooches forcing them outside for a good old-fashioned walk. Dog owners are more likely to achieve their fitness goals than non-dog owners. But all pets have added health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to boosting the immune system. Pets also reduce non-pet related allergies for children, and pet owners on average report less visits to the doctor. Lowering stress also has a number of long term health benefits which you can achieve by simply owning a pet.

Pets Provide Companionship (And Help You Meet New People Too)

Pets are an excellent source of companionship, whether they’re the second occupant in your flat or a much-welcomed addition to your family. They can help you feel like you have someone when you’re alone, don’t question you when you’re sad, and can sit with you for hours. But they also provide you with companionship in the form of an extended family of pet-owners. You might meet a fellow dog-owner at the pet-park, or even get into a pet-loving community online, but pets provide companionship in a variety of different and engaging ways.

Pets Can Give You A New Routine And Purpose

Pets are creatures of habit, and tend to enjoy being fed, walked and played with at particular times in the day. Pets are great if you find yourself without a set routine and need some additional structure in your day. That same routine also creates a sense of purpose, as you know that your pet relies on you to keep them safe. As humans, we are faced with hundreds of decisions every day, so developing a routine can make life seem less overwhelming and reduce the amount of choices we have to make.

Pets are good for both your mental and physical health. They give you someone to care for, a sense of purpose, and help you cope with stressful times in life. Pets live in the moment, and give us the opportunity to enjoy it along with them. If you’re lucky enough to have a faithful friend, caring for them is an excellent way of caring for yourself too.