The Modern-Day Benefits of Pet Ownership

To most people, it is no secret that pets brighten up our lives. While people are aware of the joy that pets bring, there are also physical and mental benefits to owning a pet. Certain animals like dogs are known to be receptive to our emotions, gestures, and tone, and thanks to evolutionary co-dependence, this understanding between humans and animals only deepens. 

So, what are these modern-day benefits of pet ownership? It is proven that commonly found house pets like cats and dogs help reduce anxiety, stress, and loneliness, boost your mood, boost your cardiovascular health, and above all, shower you with their unconditional affection and love. 

Here Are A Few Modern-Day Benefits of Owning a Pet

Pets Bring Immense Health Benefits 

There are plenty of health benefits of pet ownership, most of which are well-known benefits having a pet in the house. Pets encourage an active lifestyle in people since their routines practically demand it, along with a great many changes. 

• More Exercise: Walking with your pet is good for both of you. Regular exercise like walking or jogging with your pet helps keep them healthy, prevents destructive behaviour, and boosts your cardiovascular health. Frequent walks with your pet can decrease blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.
• Companionship: As social creatures, we humans tend to form social bonds and pack bonds. Pets act as constant companions, a little friend who you cannot speak to but somehow understand just the same. Pets prevent loneliness and brighten up any environment they are placed in. 
• Anxiety: Pets bring mental benefits along with physical benefits too. Pets are proven to reduce anxiety levels in humans, acting as a source of comfort during difficult times. Pets help one be more present, focusing on the moment rather than worrying about the future or past. They alleviate depression, and loneliness, and always provide companionship to us. 
• Routine: Pets are creatures of habit and routine. They will often complain or make themselves heard when they aren’t fed at the same time daily, since they function the best when according to a routine. This routine, in turn, helps you form your general routine, provides structure for your day, and helps you remain calm and prepared for the day ahead. 
• Stress Management: Perhaps the most well-known benefit of pet ownership, pets have a way of melting away all worries and stress. Spending time with your pet, playing with them, petting them, or even just cuddling them is proven to lower your blood pressure. The fact that we feel better after seeing our pets at the end of the day proves that their presence is inherently beneficial for us.

Pets Help Prevent Diseases 

• Weight Loss: All the added walking, running, and physical activity thanks to a pet result in documentable weight loss. On average, people who spend 15-20 minutes a day walking with their dog lose 5-6 kgs because of it. 
• Helps Mental Health: Pets are beneficial to those among us who suffer from mental health issues too. Elderly people often benefit from the presence of a pet, especially if they suffer from conditions like Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Pets provide soothing companionship which helps seniors be at ease and relaxed, which is important for them at their age. 

Pet Ownership Benefits Children

• Positive Presence: There are a number of benefits of pet ownership for children. A pet can teach your child concepts like responsibility and empathy, provide companionship, help establish a routine, and encourage physical activity. They will act as guardians and companions and support your child as they grow and mature themselves. 
• Pets Teach Empathy & Care for Others: Pets also help develop a sense of empathy in children, as a child inevitably ends up bonding with the pet that loves them unconditionally. With a pet at home, children can begin to learn how their actions impact another being, and how it is necessary to be kind, patient, and gentle with those around them.
• Pets Teach Responsibility & Routine: Pet ownership teaches children how to be responsible and the importance of some form of routine, both of which are important concepts. Being responsible for a pet means caring for their needs and requirements like meals, daily exercise, and grooming. They learn about responsibility by being responsible for their pet’s daily life, and their frequency means a child learns the value of routine and why it is necessary. 

Having a pet in the house has many health benefits, both physically and mentally. Whether physically or mentally, pets stimulate us and make our lives brighter and joyful. Provided you take a few precautions and are regular with your cleaning and vet visits, you should have a healthy and happy time with your pet, no matter what breed or animal they are.