Last Updated on 2 years by Jenny Sovann
What are the benefits of owning a pet? Owning a pet is one of the best decisions one can make. Not only will you share wholesome memories with your companion, but you will also learn from the experiences. Aside from the sheer delight that comes with owning a pet, there are a ton of benefits to being a pet owner. All this can range from physical to mental benefits.
You are probably curious about some of the benefits though. Strap yourself in for this smooth ride that will let you explore some of the benefits of owning a pet. We will explore the hilarious and yet heartwarming reasons why it’s time to get that companion if you haven’t, and how to make the most of your relationship if you already have.
Companionship
Sometimes we just feel lonely and need someone to talk to. Pets make for great companions that can listen intently and keep our secrets. They listen to us and won’t judge us (well, except for parrots). Even though your parrot judges you, it will show its unconditional love and support just like other pets.
Pets will improve your social life. They can be a surprisingly great way to meet new people. If you take your dog to parks for instance, or other social events, people will be drawn to your pet. This will create new relationships for you if you are bad at socializing.
Apart from keeping you company and increasing your social life, pets will increase your sense of responsibility. You will end up developing routines and habits that will make you more accountable and dependable in your life.
Emotional Benefits Of Owning A Pet
Stress and anxiety can hit us at any time. They make our lives unbearable and full of misery. Pets can provide emotional support and comfort. In fact, some pets are known to keep nagging you if you seem down. This can reduce your symptoms of anxiety and depression since you will have time to think more about your love than be preoccupied with stress.
Caring for your pet can also make you emotionally aware. Aside from pets lifting your spirits, taking care of them can raise your sense of empathy. This will make you a more likable person and someone people would want to be around. Spending time with your pets can create a smooth sailing-life for you and the people around you.
That aside, pets will improve your self-esteem. This has a positive impact on your life and would greatly even reduce the chances of anxiety and depression. Rather, happiness will greatly increase in your life. Scientifically, more oxytocin, the hormone associated with positive feelings will be released more around your pet.
Health Benefits Of Owning A Pet
You have probably heard “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Well, having a pet such as a dog, cat or your preferred pet can also keep you from seeing your doctor. According to some research out there, pets can help lower blood pressure. This is due to their calming effects around us.
If you got that energetic dog, you probably feel like you have tougher exercises than people who go to the gym. Yes, some pets increase our physical activities. Owning a pet means that you will have to give them their required daily exercise needs. As some of the pets would involve us walking or jogging with them, this can increase our overall physical health.
Astonishingly, pets can also improve our immune systems. Exposure to them will expose our bodies to a range of bacteria and allergens. This will in turn strengthen our immune system and not be susceptible to illnesses.
Comedic Relief
The silly antics, playful nature, and humorous expressions our pets show can bring joy and laughter to even the most horrible of days. Whether it’s your cat chasing a laser pointer, or your dog chasing its tail, pets have the simplest ways of filling our lives with unlimited humor. They lighten our moods almost instantaneously.
Laughter has been shown to have positive impacts on our bodies, such as reducing stress. Owning a pet can not only provide companionship but also be that comedic show you don’t have to buy expensive tickets for
Sense Of Purpose
Sometimes we just feel void and devoid of purpose. Pets will change this, giving us a daily routine that we will have to abide by. Dogs for instance will require feeding, exercise, and attention. This will provide a structure and purpose to your day. If you still feel unmotivated after this you should probably visit a doctor. Knowing you have a friendly companion to take care of will give you a sense of purpose throughout your day.
Pets will also require grooming, training, and veterinary visits. Taking care of them in this manner and ensuring they are always well will give you as the owner a sense of responsibility and purpose. You will feel accomplished, and dedicate your life to providing a better life for your pet. As mentioned previously their companionship with you will keep you highly motivated and always looking forward to their love. Pets will ensure that you have a reason to wake up in the morning and connect to something other than yourself.
Unconditional Love
Pets will always stare at you with their soulful eyes waiting for you to pet them. They are clingy and would always want to start a fight if they feel that someone gets more attention from them than them. No matter how much they try, they will end up annoying us by wrecking our furniture or destroying our stuff. We can’t seem to get enough of them.
Dogs, for instance, will always forget how many times we yell at them. In a couple of seconds, you would be walking happily with your best friend. They don’t care what mood you are in, all they care about is that you are feeling okay. If cats see you are feeling down, they will come to sit on your lap and purr. This alone can raise your mood. Parrots will always want to speak with you in your dialect. Much of what they say won’t make sense but they will end up slapping a smile on your face.
It’s not just dogs, cats, or parrots. Pets are blessed with that superpower of unconditional love. This is the love we just don’t get from anyone in this harsh world. Even owning the most unlikely pets such as pythons, tarantulas or lizards will just end up showing you their soft spot. They may not express it in the same way as our goofy dogs or cats, but you will feel their affection either way and this will always lift your spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Q: What are the benefits of having a pet?
A: Pets provide companionship, emotional benefits, health benefits, a sense of purpose, comedic relief, and unconditional love. These are among the benefits that will keep your life a happy one and one that you will always be looking forward to.
Q: What are the benefits of not having a pet?
A: You will have lower costs, more flexibility, less responsibility, and reduced chances of allergies. Your home may be cleaner since some pets are destructive and will keep you on your toes always cleaning your home.
Q: How can having a pet change your life?
A: Pets are beneficial to their owners in many ways. They can give you emotional support hence helping in reducing stress and anxiety. They can promote your commitment and keep you healthy by exercising with them.
Q: Why should every family have a pet?
A: Pets provide companionship and unconditional love. Having pets can improve overall health since you will be forced to indulge with them in physical activities. This can be beneficial to children. Children will also learn to be careful, some social skills and responsibility.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a pet?
A: Some of the advantages of owning a pet are companionship and emotional support, improved mental and physical health, and a sense of purpose and responsibility. The disadvantages of owning a pet can be the cost of care, mess and stench, time commitment, and risk of allergies or other health issues.
Conclusion
Owning pets has a lot of benefits. Our amazing pets give us companionship, improve our health and emotions, give us a sense of purpose, and keep us active. Let’s be real, Who wouldn’t want that one friend that seems to dedicate their whole life to the happiness of their friend? Pets are these friends that just want to keep you happy.
Having pets does not mean it’s going to be a smooth journey though. Sure, they will leave their fur everywhere and occasionally go to war with your furniture. After this, they will probably lick your face and look at you apologetically. Every relationship has its ups and downs that make it more stronger, so sometimes overlooking and positively reinforcing your pet’s behavior will make it eventually behave. If you are looking for a loyal friend who will never judge you for licking your fingers after eating, it’s time you got a pet. Hopefully, this guide helps you understand the benefits of owning a pet.