Pets have been a vital part of many families around the world, and it is a known fact that having pets comes with a lot of benefits for the owners, young and old. Our feathered and furry friends can help improve our physical and psychological wellness or simply keep us company and make us feel loved.
Many pet lovers choose cats as their companion as they love their purring when they are hugged or patted. Others can’t resist the temptation of having a fiercely loyal dog waiting for them at the end of the day, while some think that birds, fish or even reptiles make for very great friends at home. Regardless of the species, pets bring joy and smiles to the family, as well as unconditional love. In detail, here are some benefits of adopting a pet into your family:
Health benefits. Numerous scientific studies have proven that pets can decrease one’s stress level, lower blood pressure, and ease physical pain. Pets can also prevent their owners to suffer from strokes.
“If you have a cat, you’re 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack, and you’re 40 percent less likely to have a cardiovascular incident like a stroke. If you have a heart attack and you have a dog, you are [significantly more] likely to be alive a year later,” said Dr. Becker, a veterinary consultant for the TV show Good Morning America, quoted from www.womansday.com.
In addition, pets can even monitor the blood sugar of their diabetic owners. According to the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Forecast magazine, a research in 1992 revealed that one-third of dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits living with people suffering from diabetes change their behaviour towards their owners as a direct reaction to the chemical changes in their masters’ system given the increase or decrease of blood sugar level.
Social benefits. Children learn valuable life lessons from their beloved pets, ranging from responsibility, friendship, empathy and even loss. Once kids own their first pet, they soon will learn how to take proper care of another living creature. They shower them with affection and make sure they are well-fed and healthy, while the pets will return the favor with love and loyalty.
Pets also give children a first-hand experience about the cycle of life. The death of a pet is often marks a child’s first loss, requiring them to be strong and to carry on with their lives as they prepare for other heartbreaking moments in life. In the end, children will become more mature and appreciative.
On a happier note, pets help both kids and adults with socialization. A study conducted by a group of Austrian scientists discovered that pet ownership contributes to increased social contact. For instance, as owners walk their dogs to a park or around the neighbourhood, they are more likely to meet new people wanting to interact with the dogs, requiring the owners to engage in a conversation.
What are you waiting for? Go and adopt a pet!
