Can owning a pet help to reduce stress and make you healthier?

Pets have played a role in domestic life for centuries. Pet owners will tell you how much they love having pets in their homes, but did you know that there are health benefits to petting a pooch?

Incredible benefits of owning a pet

Pets seem to have an amazing effect on both our emotional as well as our physical wellbeing. Our pets make us laugh, comfort us when we are sad and offer companionship.

Stress reduction

The stress and anxiety in today’s world can sometimes be overwhelming and this can lead to various health problems. One of the major ways stress can influence your health is by affecting and raising blood pressure. There is a reason behind some hospitals and rehabilitation centres allowing pets.

Petting a cat or dog has proven to lighten the mood and lower stress levels. There are not only cats and dogs — think of fish in an aquarium and how relaxing it is to watch the fish swim around. Pets are also great listeners and offer unconditional love and support.

Owning pets and exercise

Owning a dog requires you to exercise. Not only does this get you outside and exercising, but it may also be a great way to socialise with others.

Immune booster

There have been studies that say that if you had pets early on in life, the chances of developing allergies are fewer. The happier you are and the less stress you have, the stronger your immune system.

Help kids develop

Pets are a great way to help kids who suffer from ADHD and calming to those who have autism. Having a household pet can help to improve a child’s emotional development and teach kids to express themselves more. Pets also teach responsibility, as somebody needs to care for them, walk them, feed them, and keep them clean.