Can having a pet contribute to one’s sense of wellness?
If you are a pet owner, you probably already know how much joy and comfort your furry friend can bring to your life. But did you know that having a pet can also have many benefits for your physical and mental health? In this blog post, we will explore some of the surprising science behind pets and wellness and how pets can help you be healthier and happier.
Pets can help reduce stress and anxiety
One of the most common reasons people get pets is to have a companion who can provide emotional support and unconditional love. Pets can help us cope with stressful situations, such as work, family or personal problems by offering a soothing presence and a distraction from our worries.
Studies have shown that petting, playing or even just watching an animal can lower our blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels which are associated with stress and anxiety. Pets can also release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and trust in both humans and animals. This can enhance our mood and social skills as well as reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Pets can help increase fitness levels and physical activity
Another benefit of having a pet is that they can motivate us to be more active and fit. Pets, especially dogs, need regular exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. By taking our pets for walks, hikes or runs we can also improve our own cardiovascular health, muscle strength and flexibility. Pets can also encourage us to engage in outdoor activities, such as gardening, camping or fishing, which can expose us to natural sunlight and fresh air. These factors can boost our immune system, vitamin D levels and serotonin levels which are important for our mood and well-being.
Pets can help prevent or manage chronic diseases
Did you know that having a pet can also have positive effects on our long-term health outcomes?Research has shown that pet ownership may lower the risk of developing certain chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer.
Pets can help us maintain a healthy weight by keeping us active and preventing overeating. Having a pet can help us lower our cholesterol and triglyceride levels by reducing stress and improving our diet. Did you know that they can also help detect early signs of illness or infection by noticing changes in our behavior or appearance. Some pets, such as dogs, cats or birds can even be trained to alert us or others if we have a medical emergency such as a seizure, stroke or heart attack.
Pets can help improve cognitive function and mental acuity
Having a pet can also benefit our brain health and cognitive function. Pets can stimulate our mind by providing mental challenges and opportunities for learning. Pets can help us improve our memory, attention span, problem-solving skills and creativity when we teach them new tricks, games or commands.
They can also help prevent or delay cognitive decline by keeping us mentally alert and engaged. Did you know that studies have shown that older adults who own pets have better cognitive performance and lower rates of dementia than those who do not. Pets can also help us cope with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia by providing comfort, companionship, and routine.
Pets can help enhance our social life and relationships
Having a pet can also improve our social life and relationships with others! Having a pet can help us meet new people and make friends by serving as conversation starters or icebreakers. They can also help us bond with other pet owners who share similar interests or hobbies.
My wife Penelope and I have a purebred Glen of Imaal Terrier. He is a rare Irish breed originally bred in Ireland to hunt badgers and foxes on the farms. He is very stocky for a terrier and it surprises even me that he comes up in converations so often! Here’s a pic of my boy Malachi.
They can help strengthen our existing relationships with family members or friends by providing shared experiences and activities. Pets can also help us develop empathy, compassion and trust by showing us how to care for another living being.
Conclusion
Having a pet can contribute to one’s sense of wellness in many ways. Pets can provide emotional support, physical activity, disease prevention, mental stimulation and social interaction that can enhance our quality of life and happiness. Of course, owning a pet also comes with responsibilities and challenges that require time, money, and commitment. Therefore, before you decide to get a pet, make sure you are ready to take care of them properly and provide them with a safe and loving environment. If you already have a pet or are planning to get one soon, we hope this blog post has inspired you to appreciate the many benefits they bring to your life.
Me and the Boys
I hope you have enjoyed “Pets and Wellness.” If you have questions please feel free to ask in the comments section below. Finally, if you would like to be notified of updates to the content here at BetterHealthBetterYou please enter your first name and best email in the form below.
Grant Rayner