Pet ownership can be challenging, but it is also rewarding, fun and good for your health. Have you ever noticed how easy it is for your pooch to cheer you up after a difficult day? Or how relaxing it can be to cuddle with your cat and listen to them purr. Pet ownership can benefit your health in more way than one, in fact owning a pet can improve your physical, emotional and mental health.
1. Reduced stress
April is National Stress Awareness month, and it’s important to note that pets aid in a lower level of stress. Studies show that pet owners report subjective stress reduction, meaning they perceive things to be less stressful. Pets promote exercise, lower blood pressure, and improve mood; all factors that contribute to less stress.
2. Increased exercise
Owning a dog requires taking regular walks, a low impact form of exercise that reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and promotes overall health. If you’re already the active type, a dog can make a great jogging, swimming or hiking partner, and will get you out of the house, even on days that you don’t want to. Studies show that dog owners are less likely to be obese. But a walking partner isn’t limited to a dog, cats can be trained to walk on a leash too!
3. Promotes heart health
Studies conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and American Hearth Association (AHA), among others, have shown that owning a pet promotes heart health. Research shows that pet owners have a lower risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Whether it’s due to the love and emotional support pets provide, the promotion of physical activity, or reduced stress levels, having a pet may be good for your heart.
4. Improves mood
It might be safe to say that all pet owners would agree that a beloved pet has a powerful ability to beat a bad mood. Pets provide emotional support, and make for a great snuggle buddy when feeling sad or upset. A pet's goofy antics can make us laugh too! Pets can lower feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety. Research supporting this is also proven every day through the use of animal assisted therapy (AAT) and emotional support animals (ESA). Therapy animals are used in hospitals, assisted living facilities, schools and even in your psychotherapist’s office.
5. Promotes social interaction
Pet people love to talk about their pets, and pet people love to talk with other pet people. Whether you’re a cat lover, a dog lover or even a bird lover, conversations become easier when you’re able to relate about the love for your animal child. Whether at the park or the pet food store, pets can increase social interaction and friendships.
While pet ownership has many benefits, it comes with much commitment and responsibility. Pets require much attention, time, and money in order to keep them healthy and happy as well. Pets require regular time commitments and expenses for their care, including exercise, play, food, grooming, veterinary visits, vaccines, flea and heartworm prevention. Consider both the monetary, time and attention costs when thinking about becoming a pet owner. Cats and dogs can live upwards of 15 years, making it a lifetime commitment for your pet. It is also important to have a pet emergency fund in the event an emergency situation arises.
If you are considering becoming a pet owner, make adoption your first choice. Five million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year, many pure breeds in need of a home. To find your next pet partner, visit PetFinder.com to view pets from rescues and shelters in your area. Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services and the Jacksonville Humane Society house hundreds of rescue pets in need. All pets come neutered and vaccinated. JaxAdoptsPet.org hosts Jacksonville’s Mega Pet Adoption Event to find homes for hundreds of pets several times each year.
1. Reduced stress
April is National Stress Awareness month, and it’s important to note that pets aid in a lower level of stress. Studies show that pet owners report subjective stress reduction, meaning they perceive things to be less stressful. Pets promote exercise, lower blood pressure, and improve mood; all factors that contribute to less stress.
2. Increased exercise
Owning a dog requires taking regular walks, a low impact form of exercise that reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and promotes overall health. If you’re already the active type, a dog can make a great jogging, swimming or hiking partner, and will get you out of the house, even on days that you don’t want to. Studies show that dog owners are less likely to be obese. But a walking partner isn’t limited to a dog, cats can be trained to walk on a leash too!
3. Promotes heart health
Studies conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and American Hearth Association (AHA), among others, have shown that owning a pet promotes heart health. Research shows that pet owners have a lower risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Whether it’s due to the love and emotional support pets provide, the promotion of physical activity, or reduced stress levels, having a pet may be good for your heart.
4. Improves mood
It might be safe to say that all pet owners would agree that a beloved pet has a powerful ability to beat a bad mood. Pets provide emotional support, and make for a great snuggle buddy when feeling sad or upset. A pet's goofy antics can make us laugh too! Pets can lower feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety. Research supporting this is also proven every day through the use of animal assisted therapy (AAT) and emotional support animals (ESA). Therapy animals are used in hospitals, assisted living facilities, schools and even in your psychotherapist’s office.
5. Promotes social interaction
Pet people love to talk about their pets, and pet people love to talk with other pet people. Whether you’re a cat lover, a dog lover or even a bird lover, conversations become easier when you’re able to relate about the love for your animal child. Whether at the park or the pet food store, pets can increase social interaction and friendships.
While pet ownership has many benefits, it comes with much commitment and responsibility. Pets require much attention, time, and money in order to keep them healthy and happy as well. Pets require regular time commitments and expenses for their care, including exercise, play, food, grooming, veterinary visits, vaccines, flea and heartworm prevention. Consider both the monetary, time and attention costs when thinking about becoming a pet owner. Cats and dogs can live upwards of 15 years, making it a lifetime commitment for your pet. It is also important to have a pet emergency fund in the event an emergency situation arises.
If you are considering becoming a pet owner, make adoption your first choice. Five million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year, many pure breeds in need of a home. To find your next pet partner, visit PetFinder.com to view pets from rescues and shelters in your area. Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services and the Jacksonville Humane Society house hundreds of rescue pets in need. All pets come neutered and vaccinated. JaxAdoptsPet.org hosts Jacksonville’s Mega Pet Adoption Event to find homes for hundreds of pets several times each year.
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