Humans have kept animals as pets for thousands of years. While they provide unconditional love and companionship, there are also other, perhaps less obvious benefits to having a pet.
They lower your stress After spending as little as 15 minutes with your pet, levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, drop and levels of the ‘feel good’ brain chemical, serotonin, increase. That means less stress, more happiness!
They improve your health Pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, a lower heart rate, and lower cholesterol levels than those who don’t have pets. Pet owners are also at less risk of dying from heart failure, while other studies suggest that cat owners have fewer strokes!
They may prevent allergies Kids who grow up around animals develop a stronger immune system and are less likely to develop allergies or asthma (although allergy to pet proteins can occur in some, however).
They help you get more exercise Most dog owners walk their dogs for at least 15 minutes, twice a day. That goes a long way towards getting the right amount of exercise you need for good physical health, and is particularly advantageous for those looking to lose or control their weight.
They help you make friends Taking your dog for a walk, or to play in the park or at the beach, is a great way to get talking to others and to make new friends.
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