These days, more people are focusing on improving their health and lifestyle. People realize they have more control over their health. This made them explore other ways to stay healthy, including saying yes to pet ownership.
According to statistics, 38% of households have pet dogs, while 25.4% have cats. That’s a lot of furry friends out there! Not only do pets provide companionship, but they also offer plenty of health benefits.
The Health Perks Pet Ownership Can Bring
Some people think owning a pet only makes them happy and gives them a sense of responsibility. But did you know that pets can improve physical and mental health?
Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
Did you know that being with pets can help you lower your cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels? Studies show that people who own dogs have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those who don’t. Some experts associate this with dog owners being more active since they must walk their dogs daily.
Having a pet companion can also reduce your stress levels, which play a significant part in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. When you pet your dog or cat, your body releases oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone.” Oxytocin promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, which can help lower your blood pressure.
Help Social Interactions
Pets, such as dogs, are social creatures that enjoy the company of others. And since they’re so social, they can also help you be more social! Having a dog can encourage you to meet new people on walks or at the park.
Dogs can also help reduce anxiety and make you feel more secure. They provide comfort and companionship, and they can help ease anxiety and loneliness. This is why therapy dogs are often used in hospitals, schools, and other settings.
Improve Mental Health
Studies have shown that people who own pets are less likely to experience depression than those who don’t. Pets can provide companionship and unconditional love, which can be very helpful for people dealing with mental health issues.
Pets can also help reduce stress and anxiety. They provide comfort and companionship and can help ease anxiety and loneliness. This is why therapy dogs are often used in hospitals, schools, and other settings.
Greater Sense of Purpose in Life
Pets can give you a sense of purpose and responsibility. When you have pets, you must take care of them, providing them with food, water, shelter, and love. This can help you feel needed and wanted, which is especially beneficial if you live alone.
Pets can also help you feel less isolated and lonely. When you have a pet, you have someone to talk to and spend time with. They can provide companionship and unconditional love, making you feel more connected and less alone.
Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership
Owning a pet comes with many health benefits but remember that it is your job to take care of your pet and keep them healthy, happy, and safe. Here are some tips to help you be a responsible pet owner:
Train Them Young
One of the most important things you can do as a pet owner is to train your pet from an early age. This will help them learn the rules and guidelines for proper behavior, and it will also help them develop a strong bond with you. Start training your pet as soon as possible, preferably when they are still young puppies or kittens. This will make the training process more manageable and less frustrating for you and your pet.
If you have never trained a dog before, you can sign up for dog obedience training program. These classes will teach you how to properly train your dog and allow you to bond with them. Make sure you find a reputable dog training center that uses positive reinforcement and balanced training methods. Some centers even offer free refresher training, which is a big help if your pooch regress after the training program.
Keep Them Healthy
One of the responsibilities you can’t ignore is to keep your pet healthy and safe. This means feeding them a nutritious diet, taking them to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations, providing them safe shelter, and keeping them groomed and clean.
You should also create a pet emergency kit with food, water, bowls, toys, leashes, beds, blankets, first aid supplies, and contact information for your veterinarian. This will help you be prepared in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to take them out for walks and play with them regularly. Exercise is a great way to bond with them. Give them enough attention, and they will surely return the favor.
Keep Them and Those Around Them Safe
Your pet’s safety should always be a priority, so keep them on a leash when you’re outdoors and never leave them unattended in a car. Ensure their living space is safe and free from hazards like electrical cords and poisonous plants.
It would help to ID them with a collar, tags, and microchip that include your name and contact information. This way, if they ever get lost, you can be reunited with them as soon as possible.
Don’t forget that since you own a pet, you are responsible for ensuring they don’t threaten your other animals and people. You can easily control their behavior with proper training and keep them from becoming a nuisance. This way, even if they come across situations or people that make them act out, you can prevent them from harming anyone.
Pets can offer many health benefits, but you must remember to take care of them responsibly. By following the tips above, you can be a great pet owner and ensure that your furry friend is healthy, happy, and safe.
