15 reasons why having a pet is good for you and your family. Animal ownership can positively impact not just your health, but your lifestyle too. Studies show that couples who own a pet together have lower blood pressure, interact more with each other, and teach their children about empathy and responsibility. Pets can also be an adventure for those of us who may be single or dealing with the stress of the virus. If you’re not sure if you want a pet in your life, here are 15 reasons why you should adopt one.
Having a pet can improve your mood.
Many studies have shown that spending time with your pet can help reduce stress you’re feeling during this epidemic. According to these studies, the “love hormone” oxytocin is released which provides feelings of closeness and increased bonding between you and your pet. It’s also been shown to increase mood, giving you a boost if you start to feel down.
Pets can also improve your social life.
Zoom can still be a fantastic tool for connecting with your audience, but you also become host to many interesting human conversation starters. You’ll get plenty of people who are curious about your pet, or at least want to know more about them. However, since the social guidelines lift and now that you own a pet, you may find strangers approaching you just to ask about them. Cats may also help increase your social circle without having to meet people in person.
If you’re looking for love, a pet can help with that, too.
The pet is also a great way to increase your chances of finding love. According to a study conducted by Purina, 54% of surveyed pet owners said their animals helped them get started in conversation with someone they were interested in. One in three people will meet someone that has pictures of their pet on their dating profile.
And if you’re in a relationship, a pet can make you both happier and less stressed.
According to a Psychology Today article, couples who own a pet suffer from lower blood pressure, are happier on average, and have more interaction.
Owning a pet can make you a better person.
A study by BarkBox discovered that owning a dog can make you a better person. It was found that more than 93% of dog owners could recall at least one way their pet had made them a better person, including making them noticeably more patient and affectionate.
Bringing your pet to work can boost your morale and help control your stress levels.
Bringing your pooch with you when you work from home can be a great way to bring some joy, happiness, and fun into your office. A 2012 study conducted at a North Carolina manufacturing company found that employees who had their doggies by their side experienced lower stress levels throughout the day and had a higher opinion of their employer.
Pets can also help you unwind after a long day at work.
If you’re feeling anxious, some pets might just be the perfect sense of relief for you. A 2003 study found that petting an animal after a stressful situation reduced feelings of anxiety in people who were neutral or didn’t have emotion toward animals. The researchers say it applied to people with different attitudes on the subject and went beyond just animal lovers.
Having a pet nearby, especially a dog, can make you feel more secure.
Recently, the popularity of Rottweilers has risen because they make great deterrents from outside threats. They provide a sense of safety and protection, so many owners want to keep their animals as close by as possible.
You always have someone to snuggle with on cold nights.
Some individuals like to have a pet around at night. They can provide an extra sense of security, and make you feel happy by enriching your life.
Whether it’s taking them for a walk or doing yoga, pets can make you more physically active.
If your dog is a bundle of love and joy, I’m happy to hear about the success. In fact, according to scientists called the “Lassie effect,” daily walks with your pup have been known to also increase physical fitness and make walking more likely when it comes to getting your daily exercise.
You’ll find immeasurable joy in playing fetch with your dog, or teaching your pet tricks.
Any pet owner knows that playing fetch with their dog is one of the best ways to maintain their relationship so both can have a great time. Teaching your pet tricks is an excellent way to keep them entertained, and we’ve seen that with dogs, cats can also be trained using positive reinforcement techniques.