Pets can make our lives so much more enjoyable with essentially no effort. They are always there for us no matter what, make us laugh, and give comfort when we are ill or upset. But do you know having pets can significantly improve our health as well?
Ask any pet owner, and they will be able to give you an endless list of ways an animal companion can enhance your life. Considering this, it’s unsurprising that over 60% of households in Wisconsin own pets. Known for its love of animals and natural beauty, the state has a thriving community of pet owners, and It is no secret that Wisconsinians love their furry little friends, and many enjoy exploring its many pet-friendly parks and trails. The state has plenty of outdoor areas and pet-friendly amenities and activities, making it the perfect place for pet owners.
If you’re thinking about adopting a pet, here are some advantages that come with a snuggly friends.
1- Pets can improve our mental health:
Like us, pets feel emotions. They are known to experience sadness and boredom, among other mental states, and demand attention from us. Pets help us feel important and valuable as we show them love and attention, which promotes positive emotions and improves our mental health. Interacting with animals has been shown to cause the release of
calming hormones (like serotonin and oxytocin), which can encourage feelings of relaxation, aid in lowering blood pressure, and even ease feelings of anxiety.
For people with severe mental conditions, pets can provide additional support. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are trained animals that can provide comfort during tough times and assist with anxiety and depression. However, since they are different from other pets, getting emotional support animal certification in Wisconsin is necessary.
The process is quite simple. All you have to do is fill out a form and get a doctor’s approval. If qualified, you can add your pet to the national directory. The whole process takes less than a day, but it will give your pet access to various settings, from airplanes to public parks and workplaces.
2- They will keep you fit:
Without a pet, it is easy to be lazy and spend the whole day on the couch binge-watching Netflix. But if you own a pet, they will inspire you to stay active.
Those who own a dog know they are active animals and cannot stay indoors for long. They need to walk daily for physical benefits and to be happy. This also encourages dog owners to walk daily, which is good for physical and mental health. Every single day, they’ll drag you to the front door and force you to run around the park. From running around the park to playing fetch with your furry friends, they will help you spend more time on your feet.
If you have a cat, you don’t need to go for a walk every day. Instead, spend some time playing catch with your pet indoors, or let them chase a ball around while you pull it. With this easy activity, you can get moving and strengthen your relationship with your cat.
3- They enhance heart health:
Having a pet results in higher activity levels and better cardiovascular health. One study conducted on the ownership of dogs concluded that owning a dog results in a remarkable 31% decrease in risk of cardiovascular mortality than those that don’t own a dog.
Some studies have found that having a pet reduces the risk of heart attack. Having a pet reduces cholesterol, which lowers your risk of developing heart disease. In addition, having a pet can help you feel less stressed, which is good for your heart. People who own pets are less likely to experience tension and stress-related blood pressure spikes, and studies have even shown that pet owners, particularly those who own cats, typically have lower blood pressure.
4- They help with social interaction:
When you bring your dog or cat home for the first time, you join a community—and a very big one at that.
American Pet Products Association stated that 70% of Americans own at least one pet. This means you’ll likely find someone with a furry or feathery friend living in your street or apartment building.
A pet can improve your mental health and help you meet new people who also have pets if you suffer from social anxiety. For instance, walking your dog around the neighborhood or to the dog park is a great way to meet new people. Even on social media, owners of dogs and cats can find communities to celebrate and adore their pets.
5- It will teach your kids responsibility:
Pets are not only beneficial for adults; they are also excellent for children’s physical and mental health.
There is no denying that children adore animals, and if they are old enough, keeping an animal as a pet can help them develop several crucial life skills. They will learn how to care for a pet, including how to clean it, groom it, and teach it tricks, but they will also learn nurturing and empathy techniques that will be useful in the future.
Having a pet is an excellent way for kids to learn responsibility because they get the satisfaction of seeing their pet happy and healthy and develop selflessness. Pets encourage children to be active and away from screens, whether playing with their pets inside the house or joining dog walks with their parents.
Conclusion:
If you’ve been on the fence about getting a pet, consider how many aspects of your life could be better by bringing a four-legged friend home. No matter the size or species of your pet, they will all make valuable companions with their unique qualities.
Remember that getting a pet necessitates a dedicated, long-term commitment. A pet requires more care and attention than just the occasional pet food purchase. When you have a pet, you have to put in the work and be truly committed to it. It is essential that you take all necessary precautions in order to keep your friend safe and healthy.
