Many people decide to get a pet for different reasons. Some people want a companion, while others seek an emotional support animal. Did you know that pets can have a positive effect on our health?
While we all know that pets can make us happier, there are other health benefits you may not be aware of. Here are the positive effects of owning a pet on our health:
Lower blood pressure
Surprisingly, it has been proven that owning a pet can help lower our blood pressure. One study showed that people who had never owned a pet before had lower blood pressure after eight weeks of owning a dog or cat compared to those who didn’t own a pet.
Pets can also help people with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension as well. One study showed that patients with hypertension who adopted dogs had lower blood pressure and heart rates than those who didn’t adopt a dog.
Decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Owning a pet has been proven to have countless benefits to our health, both mentally and physically. One of the most surprising benefits is decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cholesterol is a type of fat that can build up on the walls of your arteries, making them narrower and less flexible. This puts you at risk for heart disease, stroke, and other problems. Triglycerides are another type of fat that can also increase your risk for heart disease.
However, studies have shown that owning a pet can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This is likely due to the increase in physical activity and social interaction with pet ownership. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your heart health, consider getting a furry friend.
Increased social interaction
From the tiniest Hamster to the tallest horse, owning a pet has been shown to positively affect our health. In fact, pet owners have increased levels of social interaction. They are generally more outgoing than those who do not own pets. This is likely since pet ownership provides opportunities for casual conversation and helps break the ice in social situations. For instance, a dog owner must most likely get out of the house and talk to a professional dog trainer or go for walks with their pup, providing ample opportunity for social interaction.
In addition, owning a pet can also help reduce stress levels and blood pressure, which are associated with improved health. So, consider adopting a pet today, whether you’re looking for a new best friend or simply hoping to improve your health.
Help fight depression
Depression is a silent killer. It’s a mental illness that can devastate our physical health. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It can also lead to fatigue, insomnia, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating depression, owning a pet has been shown to help. In fact, one study showed that dog ownership was associated with a significantly lower risk of depression. This is likely due to the increased social interaction and physical activity with pet ownership. So, if you’re struggling with depression, consider getting a furry friend. They just might be the key to helping you fight off this silent killer.
Boost immunity
Strong immunity is essential for keeping us healthy. It’s our body’s defense system against harmful bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately, our immunity can often weaken, leaving us vulnerable to illness.
We can do several things to boost our immunity, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. However, one often overlooked method of boosting immunity is owning a pet.
Studies have shown that children who grow up with pets have a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma. This is likely because they’re exposed to more dirt and bacteria at an early age, which helps build their immunity. So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your immunity, consider getting a pet.
Increase physical activity
We all know that exercise is good for our health. It helps to improve our cardiovascular health, build strong bones and muscles, and boost our immunity. However, sometimes it can be challenging to find the motivation to get up and move. This is where a pet can be helpful.
Owning a pet requires regular exercise, whether taking them for walks or playing fetch. This increase in physical activity can have significant benefits for our health. In fact, one study showed that dog owners who walked their dogs regularly were more likely to meet the recommended amount of daily physical activity than those who didn’t own pets.
The bottom line
There are many health benefits associated with pet ownership. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your health, consider getting a furry friend. They can provide you with companionship, boost your immunity, and help you to increase your physical activity. Overall, they can give you a better quality of life.
