There is nothing like the joy of having a pet, be it a dog, a cat or a bird. They show you affection, make you laugh and comfort you when you are sick. No matter what, pets are always a source of joy that can help keep the feeling of isolation at bay. We share with you a few insights on the surprising health benefits of owning a pet:
A healthy heart:One of the many benefits of having a pet is lower blood pressure which is good for your cardiovascular health. Several studies suggest that those who own dogs have a lower blood pressure than non-owners. This could be because pets help their owners to calm down. Moreover, dog owners tend to get more exercise than people who don’t have dogs. According to a study, owning a dog reduced the risk of death for heart attack and stroke survivors.
A healthy weight:All breeds of dog need regular and daily walks to stay happy and healthy. Therefore, a study has found that dog owners who regularly walked their dogs were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t own or walk a dog. Dog walking may be a good way for seniors to stay active and maintain their overall health.
Keep stress at bay: Petting your cat or dog feels good. Playing with your pet or just cuddling them can have soothing effects on your mind. Interacting with pets help decrease levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and lower blood pressure. By providing you company and love, pets help you keep anxiety, depression and stress at bay.
Keep you socially connected:Pets are social magnets. They provide their owners with more than companionship. They help create human-to-human friendships and social support, both of which are good for long-term health. Whether you are walking them down the street or taking them to a veterinarian, pets help you connect with other people. Walking a pet leads to routine conversations with neighbours, other pet walkers or even strangers. Having a pet is a great way to meet new people and this can be helpful for those who are not too good at small talk.
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