Having a pet is an enriching experience that comes with a variety of advantages for your mental and physical health. Our pets can help us live longer, happier, and healthier lives. From reducing the risk of heart attacks to alleviating loneliness, the benefits of having pets are plentiful. Let’s talk about those benefits:

1. Pets are excellent mood enhancers

Having a pet around is extremely helpful in relieving stress. Playing with your pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which help in making you feel calm and relaxed. Additionally, petting your animal friend, especially a cat, makes your body produce more oxytocin. Oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone,” aids in boosting your levels of happiness.

2. Pets are effective stress busters

After a long, demanding day at work, no matter how stressed out or worn out you may feel, the joy and love you receive from your pet is sure to make you feel happy. This is because spending time and interacting with your pet is proven to reduce stress. It lowers the levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and decreases blood pressure, both of which are directly linked to one’s physical and mental health. Pets are excellent stress relievers and very beneficial, especially for people suffering from anxiety or hypertension.

3. They help ease feelings of loneliness and depression

It goes without saying that having a pet can provide great companionship and make you happier. The strong bond you share with your pet not only helps reduce stress and anxiety, it also makes you feel less lonely. They help individuals fight against and recover from depression by giving their owners unconditional love.

Additionally, pets also help increase your sense of self-esteem while also boosting your mood and confidence. Moreover, dogs are extremely good at detecting when their owners are sad or depressed and will try their best to cheer you up.

4. Pets can be great exercise buddies

People with pets tend to lead a more active lifestyle compared to their no-pet counterparts. Whether it’s having a cat or a dog or any other animal, taking care of your pet — feeding, grooming, and playing or walking with them is proven to help you stay healthier.

Walking your dog regularly can help you regulate your stress and keep your cholesterol levels in check. Hence, people with dogs tend to have lower blood pressure and are less likely to develop heart disease.

5. They give you a sense of purpose

Having a pet changes your outlook on life. They give you a sense of purpose, especially when you’re going through difficulties in life. The bond with your pet provides a sense of togetherness, trust, joy and companionship.

So, if you’re considering getting a pet and are ready to enhance and improve your lifestyle with them, please visit a reputable animal shelter in your area and adopt a furry friend!