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8 Reasons Why Pets Are Good For Your Health

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8 Reasons Why Pets Are Good For Your Health

Pets can be a great source of companionship and unconditional love. But did you know that having a pet can also have positive effects on your health? From reducing stress to improving your cardiovascular health, owning a pet can provide numerous physical and emotional benefits. Let’s take a look at 8 reasons why pets are good for your health. Comment down below reasons why you think pets are good for our health!

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Studies have shown that spending time with your pet can reduce levels of cortisol (the hormone associated with stress) in the body. In addition, playing with or petting an animal has been found to increase levels of oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone”. This means that just a few minutes spent with your furry friend could help reduce overall levels of stress and anxiety and a big reason why pets are good for your health.

older woman hugging a yellow lab in a field of sunflowers
Owning a pet can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Better Cardiovascular Health

Research shows that owning a pet is associated with healthier blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels, both of which can reduce your risk for developing heart disease. Additionally, people who own pets tend to have better recovery times after suffering from a stroke or heart attack. The physical activity required for looking after your pet can also have positive effects. Regular walks and playing outside will help keep both you and your pet in shape!

human running with dog on a trail
Owning a pet is great for your cardiovascular health!

Improved Emotional Health

Having a pet can also benefit your mental and emotional well-being by providing support during difficult times. Pets provide companionship when you need it most, which makes them an ideal companion for those who may feel lonely or isolated from others. Plus, caring for an animal requires routine tasks such as feeding and walking them, which helps foster feelings of responsibility and accomplishment that can help lift moods and improve self-esteem.

teenage girl hugging her black and brown small dog
Emotional health is improved when owning a cat or dog.

Increased Physical Activity

Owning a pet encourages you to stay active by taking regular walks or playing outside in the yard with your furry pal! This increased level of activity has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol levels, decreased blood pressure, reduced risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and better overall physical fitness.

yellow lab looking at camera with a blue leash in their mouth
Dogs can help motivate you to get outside!

Improved Social Connections

Taking care of an animal provides opportunities to meet people in public spaces such as parks or dog runs while out walking your pup or running errands with your cat in tow! It’s also easier to strike up conversations when you have something in common—like having pets! Research even suggests that owning a pet may even make it easier for introverted individuals to connect more easily with other people since they already have something they share in common with other pet owners—their love for animals!

people gathered in a circle in a dog park with their dogs
Dog parks are a great way for you to socialize and for your pet to socialize!

Less Stress at Work

Luckily at Hollywood Feed, you can bring your dog or cat to work! Studies show that those that bring their dogs to work are reportedly less stressed throughout the day and are happier at their jobs. There’s nothing better than taking a break at work and cuddling with your furry friend, or playing with a coworker’s dog or cat after a stressful work call. During the pandemic, lots of workers started working from home with their pets. It turned out to be a great way to be less stressed during the workday. Having a pet can also help protect against illnesses and allergies, as early exposure to animals may help strengthen the immune system.

fluffy gray cat sleeping on owners lap while they are working
A cat on your lap is the purr-fect way to get through the work day!

Building Immunity

Research has found that having certain pets, such as cats, can help reduce sensitivity to common allergens like dust mites and cat dander. Additionally, living with a pet is known to be beneficial for children particularly during their first year of life by helping them develop stronger immune systems. All these health benefits make it easy to see why owning a pet is an excellent choice!

Two young girls playing with a kitten
Having a cat at a young age can help reduce sensitivity to common allergens!

Help Teach Empathy and Responsibility

Having a pet can help teach your kid, or even yourself, empathy and help build confidence. For example, teaching your child the right way to approach and treat an animal will help them think about others before simply thinking about themselves. And taking care of a pet will help them learn responsibility. Let them help during feed times and clean up after your pet. Lastly, having your child help during training sessions is another great way to help your kid learn responsibility in a fun way!

Young boy hugging an orange and white cat
Having a pet can help teach your kids responsibility and empathy.

 

Caring for a pet can come with many rewards both physically and emotionally—from reduced stress levels to improved social connections! While all these benefits are great reasons to own one (or two!) pets, remember that owning any type of animal is still a big commitment—so make sure you do plenty of research before deciding if it’s the right choice for you! The rewards might just surprise you!

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