Pets need regular meals, a supply of fresh water, and constant grooming. Depending on the type of pet you have, they may even need a constant supply of mice, frequent walks, or daily changes of newspaper in their cages. Pet care is similar to raising a child, but children are eager to enjoy their freedom when they turn 18. On the other hand, pets are a great lifelong responsibility for their owners.
Despite the monotony and tedium, a surprising statistic reveals that more than 65% of households have at least one pet. Sheltering pets is an expensive hobby, and according to a study, owners spend more than $50 billion on their pets.
With the care and money spent on them, what does a pet offer? What is the reason for this madness?
The reality is that money and time spent on pets is a wise investment. Owners enjoy happiness and better health in exchange for the care and money spent. All pet owners will agree that their pets make them happy.
According to the researchers, owning a pet inclines people to adopt various healthy behaviors. For example, pets should be taken out and fed regularly after several hours. Pet owners feel needed with these types of responsibilities, and this increases their self-esteem. It makes them get up from the sofa and take the pet for a walk. Increases your overall health and happiness. Studies have even reported that interaction with pets helps the owner decrease the release of harmful neurochemicals and improve levels of feel-good hormones in their body.
How do pets help keep you well and healthy?
Pets always greet their owner with wet, slimy kisses when he returns home after a busy day. It is an extremely comforting experience. Interacting with a pet seems like an antidote to stress relief for most people, at the end of the day.
Within minutes, interacting with a cat or dog or watching fish swim will make you feel calm and relaxed. Your body actually undergoes physical changes as you interact with pets, which makes a big difference to your mood. This is because cortisol, a stress hormone, decreases and the feel-good hormone serotonin increases.
Surprisingly, pets can help you improve your health in multiple ways.
• Improve your mood instantly.
• Alleviate loneliness.
• Better management of blood pressure.
• Lowers the level of bad cholesterol.
• Manage and relieve depression.
• Pet keeps you moving.
• Faithful training partner.
• Walking with a pet strengthens the bones.
• Helps in the management of arthritis.
• Socialize with other pet owners to build a connection.
• Alerts owner to eat when smelling glucose drop suddenly.
• Some dogs are trained to give warning before a seizure occurs, so the person lies down.
• Pet therapy is used in counseling, autism, and post-stroke rehabilitation programs.
• Overcome the limitations of ADHD in a child.
• People with Parkinson’s disease can live independent lives. The dog is trained to touch the person’s feet when they freeze due to their Parkinson’s condition. Furthermore, dogs are trained to turn on the light, open and close doors, etc., with their paws.
• It is a good companion for the elderly.
• Children grow up in an active and safe environment with pets.
Pets add unconditional love and true joy to your life. The main reason is that pets fulfill a basic human need: ‘TOUCH’. Cuddling, stroking or cuddling a furry friend offers relief from sensory stress and induces calm.
Less Common Pet Options for Health Benefits
In addition to cats and dogs, there are other less common pet options to enjoy the health benefits.
• Rabbits: People with allergies to cats and dogs can choose a fluffy rabbit as a companion. It has a lot of energy and needs little maintenance. The pace that a bunny needs is less and it is an excellent alternative for those who live in an apartment.
• Fish: Fish tanks are seen in nursing homes, medical centers, or dental clinics. It’s there for a reason. Watching fish swim in the tank has been scientifically proven to reduce heart rate and stress level.
• Lizards and snakes: reptiles may seem cold, but they are the owner’s best ally. People with allergies to furry animals can choose these exotic and unusual pets. Reptiles become attached to their owners and raise their necks to be petted.
• Birds: If you are elderly or alone, a pet bird will encourage social interaction. You can talk to them and teach them tricks, which helps hone your cognitive function.
Before you commit to becoming a pet owner, consider your finances and health to meet the demand of the new member you want to add to your family.