Why you Should Get a Pet
How Can Your Family Benefit From Having a Pet?
Have you been eyeing that cute pooch at your local shelter? Is your partner reminding you that she always wanted a kitty? Is your child begging you for a cute hamster or guinea pig, so much so that you don’t think you’ll be able to put it off another year? If so, take heart, having a pet will bring you a wealth of benefits you may never have suspected! In this post, I highlight just a few reasons why taking a pet home, is always the best decision.
Pets Help Battle Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
It is no wonder that dogs and horses play an important role in therapy for stress-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Study after study has shown that pets reduce stress, anxiety, and sadness, largely because of their ability to put human beings into a mindful ‘here and now’ state.
Do you recall the last time you bonded with a pet? Your probably enjoyed holding them, going for a walk in a park, and meeting other dog lovers while you were out and about. When we are with our dog, we are somehow content to just ‘be’, and are able to disconnect from problems and regrets. Of course, dogs are not the only animals to de-stress us. Petting a cat, bunny, or hamster, can have similar uplifting effects.
Pets Teach Children Important Life Lessons
Many parents find that it is much easier to teach children important values such as sacrifice (e.g. walking the dog when it is cold outside), sharing, and responsibility, through a pet. By loving and learning how to take care of a pet, meanwhile, parents can help foster a lifelong love of animals in their children.
As pets get older and begin to require more visits to veterinarians or specialists, meanwhile, children learn sometimes tough but important lessons about the different cycles of life and the importance of making the most of their time with pets and loved ones. That’s probably the best reason why you should get a pet.
Pets Keep Specific Health Risks at Bay
Recent research has shown that pets can help keep specific diseases (including asthma and eczema) at bay. One study showed that having a dog early in life can alter gut bacteria and boost our immunity. The study showed that families with pets had higher levels of two microbes that can decrease the risk of developing allergic disease and obesity.
Another study carried out by scientists at the University of California, meanwhile, showed that dogs can reduce a child’s risk of developing allergies and asthma. The only proviso is that pets can potentially worsen the health of kids who already have allergies and who live in urban areas.
Dogs Can Boost Our Sleep Quality
One recent study tracked 40 people for seven nights, to discover if dogs can benefit or hamper their quality of sleep. Findings showed that while sharing a bed with pets can result in poor quality sleep (because of snoring and frequent movement at night), sleeping in the same room as our dog actually improves sleep quality.
Dogs, cats, and other furry friends provide companionship, relaxation, and the opportunity to exercise daily in the Great Outdoors. Numerous studies have shown that their effects are deep and long-lasting, and extend to the prevention of some diseases.
Depending on the age and interests of your families, one pet can be more ideal than another. It is important to do the required research and to obtain advice from experts and loved ones, to ensure you find the perfect match for you and your family.
#pintersting
I absolutely love my dog – she knows when i am sad or not feeling well and I agree with all of these benefits! If i have a bad day, it is hard to not be in a good mood when you come home to a dog so excited to see you.
How true is that! I am as mad about my little boy, he makes my day, every day. The best mood boosters are pets, no meds or drugs could ever be nearly as good. Thank you for your lovely comment.