Hidden Advantages of Pets

For most people, our pets are a part of our families. We include them on our holiday cards, take them on trips, and play with them. Whether you have a dog, cat, snake, fish, or bird, our pets make us happy and we love them. When you get home after a long, hard day, it’s nice to come home and see your loving pet! But what if there was more to it? Can pets really make you happier? Can they make you feel better? With the rise of mental health issues across the world, can having a pet help you? 

Emotional Benefits 

Most people who own pets would come to an agreement that pets make them cheerful and happy. The companionship of pets is found to greatly decrease anxiety, stress, and depression. Pets provide a form of non-judgemental support and undoubting love (unless you have a mean cat). Animals make people feel less lonely and increase feelings of sociality. 

The Mayo Clinic found that interacting with pets leads to heightened levels of good neurotransmitters serotonin and  dopamine. These neurotransmitters can soothe and calm the nervous system. Pets are also known to decrease levels of cortisol which is a stress-related hormone and blood pressure.  I know when I’m having a bad day, playing with my dogs makes me feel better (or worse, depending on if they are barking).

The HIH/Mars Partnership have been involved in studies focused on human relationships with animals. Some researchers have even been seeing how animals may influence child development. Scientists have been studying animal interactions with children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and many other conditions. Dr. Layla Esposito, who is the head of NIH’s Human-Animal Interaction Research Program explains that “There’s not one answer about how a pet can help somebody with a specific condition.” 

Physical Health Benefits 

People who just want to increase their physical activity can benefit from getting a dog. You have to walk your dog several times a day and this will help with that increase. Engaging in regular exercise with your pet can improve your body’s circulation, strengthen your muscles, and enhance your overall endurance. You might even stop getting winded walking up the stairs! I highly doubt it though, stairs are a struggle. Studies have shown that people with pets have a lower risk of  heart disease. So tell your Grandparents!

Social Benefits

Pets are great conversation starters for many people; they often cause interactions that would never have occurred. I know when my family first moved into our new house, the reason we met our neighbors was because our dog DJ keeps running away! No matter what we do, he somehow escapes, and we get to have very fun conversations with our neighbors in outfits that should not leave the house. My neighbor, Mr. Jeff, even offers to dog walk for our escape artist! All we needed was a mini heart attack about losing our two dogs forever to meet new people!  Who knew!

Family & Children Benefits

For families with children, pets can play an important role in their development. Having a pet teaches children empathy and responsibility, and caring for one requires commitment and kindness. Interactions with pets have been shown to increase children’s emotional intelligence and in this day and age, we need it. 

Children who grow up with pets often have better social skills and emotional understanding. They learn the importance of non-verbal communication, which leads to being kind and compassionate. This will lead to improved relationships throughout one’s life and a better overall understanding of the people around them. 

So basically, having a pet is the best thing since the invention of the wheel. Pets improve your mental health, physical health, sociality, and childhood development. Not only are your pets cute and amazing, they also have so many hidden advantages that you can be exploiting. Unless you’re like my friend, who breaks out in hives around dogs, gets red eyes, and sneezes a lot! My dogs love her! Anyways make sure to take your Zyrtec!