Some studies show that people begin to feel less anxious after spending less than an hour with an animal. There are endless benefits including lowering your stress level and while the things that we find stressful in our lives are often hard to eliminate, adding an animal to your life can help.
- General Benefits: There’s a reason that they say dog is man’s best friend. Having a pet, not limited to dogs, is something that everyone should experience at some point in their life. Pets can be calming, mood lifting, empathetic, and so much more. They teach you how to be selfless and responsible in their own unique ways.
- Helps with Depression: In some cases, therapists suggest that patients suffering from depression that they adopt a pet. An animal will love you unconditionally and also be a great friend and listener. People with depression often benefit from having a pet, as the animal can help them get out of the house and out of their own head.
- Health Benefits: There are other health benefits associated with pet ownership (particularly dogs). Many studies show that caring for a dog has a positive impact on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, infection control, allergies, stress related problems, blood pressure, and psychological issues.
- Engaged Mind: A key to a healthy mind, especially for those who are elderly, is staying engaged with others. A dog is often a conversation starter and being out with a dog often warrants questions or comments from passersby. Bringing your dog to a dog park is a great way to meet new people with similar interests.
- Build Your Children’s Confidence: Having a dog in the home can build confidence and manage anxiety and stress in children. Children who struggle with reading or math can gain confidence when reading aloud or reciting multiplication tables to their dog.
- Excuse to Play: Training and playing with your dog also provides mental stimulation, helps unleash creativity and alleviates stress. Having a dog will also encourage you to exercise as you’ll need to walk Fido regularly.
- Routine: Having a daily schedule reduces stress for any individual. Having a dog that relies on you at specific times each day (feeding, walking, and sleeping) can help establish a routine.