The Effects Of Having A Pet On Your Health

      Does Owning A Pet Improve Your Health?

Lots of people in the world have pets. That is a well known fact. But does it actually improve your health? If so then why?

Many people know that pets can bring love and comfort. But they also improve your health. However you might just be thinking of mental health, but in some cases, a pet can save you from even heart disease. If you own a pet then you will know this, but pets make you feel less lonely, almost like you have a friend or companion. This can help a lot of people because some people live by themselves, and a pet can keep them company. Having something or someone to keep you company can improve your health. 

Studies from health.harvard.edu have shown that people who don’t own pets are more likely to have depression than people who do have pets. Also people with pets tend to have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than people without pets. The most surprising thing is that heart attack patients that have pets survive longer than those who don’t have a pet. Pets can also lower anxiety, stress, and ease loneliness. Now you might be thinking that mostly cats and dogs would do these things, but even watching fish in a tank or in an aquarium can lower stress or muscle tension. This proves how important having a pet can be for people suffering medical conditions.

In addition pets can help you make healthy lifestyle changes. First of all pets, mostly dogs, can help with exercise. Examples would be taking your dog on a walk, or to a dog park, or for a hike on a wooded trail. The great thing about this is that not only you get exercise, the dog will also get it exercise. Also I bet that if you own a dog then sometimes it's just begging to get out.

           Also, your pets can even help you get introduced to new people. This is because if you have a pet, and someone else has a pet, then you have something to connect over. Dog owners frequently talk to each other when they run into each other. 

         Pets can also add structure and routine to your day. Many pets require daily feeding throughout the day. This gives you a routine for the day. Now matter how you are feeling:  depressed, anxious, or stressed, just one pleading look from your pet will have you up and feeding them, taking them on a walk or  spending time with them.

How about a more unusual pet? Rabbits are another choice for a pet if you don’t want a dog or cat. Rabbits do not require as much attention or maintenance as other pets. They also don’t require a lot or space. They only need about 4x4 feet of living space. They are also extremely furry.

There are birds. Birds have very long life spans, and some parrots can even outlive humans! Birds also encourage social interaction. This can be very important if you live alone. You can also teach some types of birds tricks. 

Lastly, there are fish. You will sometimes see fish tanks in elderly homes or doctors offices. There is obviously a reason for this. Studies have shown that watching fish swim around in a tank can reduce stress more than any other types of pets.

Hopefully you enjoyed reading this blog. The reason for writing this was because I have two cats and I think that pets can be very important. One of the most important things about owning a pet is that it can add real joy, and love into your life.