The Health and Mood Benefits of Owning a Pet
Pets are more than just something that you have to take care of, they can act as a prescription for a happier and healthier life! Whether you enjoy the company of a dog, cat, fish, ferret, lizard, or any other house animal, having a pet can make you feel on top of the world, but why?
Companionship
Sometimes, as humans, we just want some company when we get home from work or while we’re sleeping. We want to know that something else is there with us. They don’t have to be able to protect usbut having something to talk to in the morning when we wake up or when we get home from a long day offers companionship and makes us feel loved! This companionship is also beneficial when we are sad, in pain, or need assistance!
Instills Joy
Pets are known for making us feel happier overall simply by existing! The thing about animals is, that as long as you take care of them, they will love you. Dogs and cats in particular just need to be cared for and shown affection and they will return that same love in a multiplied form! Pets are always happy to see you when you come home, whether you can tell or not. They love you and just want you to be happy.
Having Something to Care for
Owning a pet requires that we take care of them…obviously. This act of knowing that something needs us in order to survive instills a sense of responsibility and pride in ourselves. We enjoy knowing that we are needed every single day that we have this animal in our care. It teaches us how to care for something beyond ourselves as well which is a skill everyone needs!
Happy, Waggy, Tails!
Animals with tails such as dogs and cats make a particularly positive impact in our everyday lives. Who doesn’t love seeing a happy wagging tail when they walk through the door or wake up in the morning? I would! It shows that this animal is so happy to see you they just can’t control their body! That’s so special. This small action from your pet can turn your frown upside down and remind you that even the hardest of days have their good sides!
Facilitate Physical Exercise
Dogs are sort of the reigning champ here but having a pet can promote physical exercise in your everyday life! After all, you can’t walk a snake or a fish, but dogs – and cats - require physical activity! They need you to take them for walks at least once per day, preferably more, and play with them, run with them, etc. This promotes physical exercise for you and leads to you feeling happier and healthier overall!
Owning a pet is a big responsibility, but pets are not a burden, they are a joy! They make us feel happier, live healthier lifestyles, provide companionship, and remind us that we are needed and loved!