Thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family? It’s true, that the care and feeding of a dog, cat or even a goldfish can cost time and money – but the unconditional love and boost to your overall well-being that a pet can bring is well worth the investment.
Here’s how pets, especially dogs and cats can improve your health and general happiness.
Pets lower stress and depression
Stroking your dog or cat can help to lower your blood pressure and make you feel calmer – even watching fish swim around a tank can help to ease tense muscles.
Playing with your pet also increases those feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in your brain. This is why many rescue organisations have therapy dogs, as they can help people to recover from stressful situations more quickly – as opposed to just being with their partners or friends.
Pets get you moving
No more couch potato when you’ve got a bundle of doggy-sized fun waiting with a wagging tail at the door. Walking your dog regularly means that you are less likely to be obese and more likely to be physcially active. All the time spent outdoors is also a great boost for your vitamin D levels and helps to keep your bones strong.
The benefits of this also pay off as you age, elderly people who exercise their dogs have more physical stamina, could walk faster and over longer distances – this also helped to improve their mobility inside their homes.
A pet is good for your heart
In more ways than one, a pet is good for your heart. Having a pet for a companion is a great way to bring some well-deserved unconditional love into your heart.
Whilst those suffering from conditions like high cholesterol can have a higher risk of heart disease, owning a cat or dog can actually lower this! Owning a cat or dog could also even increase your chances of surviving a heart attack.
Pets can connect you to a new community
Dogs, just like babies, are conversation starters. On walks in the neighbourhood or park, you’re bound to stop for a chat or two with other dog walkers.
Pets also give you the chance to meet other like minded owners, at the pet shop, vet or puppy training classes. There is even the chance to connect online, with lots of dedicated breed specific pages on Facebook.
Pets bring you comfort
Pets can help to enrich your life. Pet owners have been found to have higher self-esteem and are able to deal with rejection better than those without pets. Some studies have found that children who grow up with pets can develop brilliant empathy skills.
If you need a place for your pooch to come and spend the day whilst you’re at work, our doggy day care service could be the ideal solution! Your dog will be able to hang out and play with some other pups, and have a stress-free day – and you can go to work without feeling guilty.
