8 Benefits of Having a Pet
With little effort, pets can bring so much joy to our lives. They make us laugh, comfort us when we are sick or sad, and are there for us no matter what. However, not everyone understands the connection between humans and beasts or even realizes how much pets do for their owners. Let's take a look at ten benefits of having a furry friend.
1. They keep you healthy
Dogs of all breeds need regular daily walks to stay happy and healthy, and so do we! However, we can get a little lazy sometimes - if that sounds like you, dogs are the perfect cure! They'll drag you out the front door and make you run around the park every day. Yes, dogs are probably the best personal trainers you could ask for.
2. They make sure you're never alone
If you live alone, or if your partner has a different shift pattern than you, it can get pretty lonely at home - unless, of course, you have pets! Cats and dogs are great companions - they'll always be waiting for you to get home, and they'll be happy to hear you if you want to complain about a bad day you've had. Plus, most of the time, they like to snuggle on the sofa.
3. They lower your stress levels
Modern life is full of stress and high levels of anxiety can lead to many health problems. Luckily, pets can really help us relax - petting your cat or just watching the fish swim around in the tank can take your worries away. Previous research has shown that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels than people who don't own pets. This means that having a furry friend can reduce your chances of developing heart disease later on.
4. They can help you make friends
The pet owner community is a very friendly one - you will often find people stopping by to talk to you about your dog in the park. Having a pet is a great way to meet new people and bond quickly, especially if you're not very good at small talk. You never know, getting a dog might help you meet the love of your life!
5. They can boost your immune system
Pets spend a lot of time outdoors, so they can bring all kinds of dirt and bacteria into your home. But that's not necessarily a bad thing -- extra bacteria can help boost your immunity to colds and other minor ailments. In fact, previous research has shown that babies who live with dogs tend to have fewer infections and are generally healthier than babies who don't.
6. They can stop your child from allergies
While there's no guarantee that owning a pet will prevent your child from developing certain allergies, there's some evidence that dander on their fur may help. However, it's worth noting that if you're allergic to cats or dogs, you should never have them - you're not suddenly immune!
7. They can detect cancer early
It's no secret that dogs have an incredible sense of smell, but did you know that some dogs can detect cancer? Several pet owners reported that their dogs saved their lives after discovering they were constantly scratching, sniffing and even licking tumors hidden under their skin.
8. They can teach children responsibility
Every parent has heard the question "Can I have a pony/puppy/hamster?" at some point in their child's life. It's no secret that kids love animals, and if they're old enough, having one as a pet can actually teach them a lot of important skills. Not only will they learn the practical skills needed to keep a pet, such as cleaning cages, grooming, and teaching tricks; they'll also develop their nurturing and empathy skills, which will be crucial later in life.