We think dogs are man’s best friend but not everyone knows how much pets can actually help make us feel better. Just the presence of our dogs can lift our spirits and help us relax.
Many people know that pets can keep us physically healthy, but many don’t know that our pets can actually make us mentally healthy too. Just having a pet in the house can make us feel calmer, happier and more relaxed.
Physical health benefits
One study found that Australian pet ownership saved approximately 3.86 billion dollars on medical expenses in just one year. Dogs and cats are known for their ability to love unconditionally, and their knack for helping people develop a sense of community. Pet ownership has many physical health benefits associated with it too.
As an Australian, you benefit from these relationships as well since owning a pet is so common here – we’re one of the most obsessed nations when it comes to pets!
It’s no surprise that owning a pet can have a number of physical health benefits. Research has shown that it can improve cardiovascular health (lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides and in men, lower cholesterol), increase our physical activity and even help get us motivated to exercise. Pets are great motivators and personal trainers, never wanting to miss a training session no matter the weather.
Having pets while we were growing up may also be beneficial because they might help strengthen our immune system. The joy of having pets isn’t new to most Australians; we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. In fact the study found that Australian ownership of cats and dogs saved approximately $3.86 billion in health expenditure over one year.
Psychological benefits
Empirical research has shown that owning a pet has many psychological benefits One study showed that children with pets had significantly higher popularity and empathy compared to their un-possessed peers.
Pets including children or adolescents appear to have a positive effect on low self-esteem. Teenagers who own pets have a more optimistic outlook, showing less of the symptoms like loneliness, restlessness, despair, boredom and depression. Pet owners are also better able to cope with grief and stress than non-pet owners.
Pets also enhance social connectedness and social skills which are great conversation starters! And best of all, pets make us feel loved when we’re sick or feeling down. If you’re considering getting a pet for your family, be sure to visit your local RSPCA for listings of adoptable
Many people have reported that owning a pet can be great for your mental, emotional and physical health. This is both in adults and in children and adolescents. Find out what type of animal you’d like to add to your family. You’ll also want to know about any tasks that your new companion may need from you.
If you are considering owning a pet, contact your local RSPCA.animals. You can view some of them at Adoptapet as well as contact your local animal shelter near you by visiting Petfinder’s website.
Owning a pet can provide many different benefits for the person and their family. Research on school children has shown that there are higher levels of affection, empathy and belonging for those with pets.
Those who own pets including children or adolescents have been shown to report better self-esteem. Teenagers who own pets have a more positive outlook on life and report less loneliness, restlessness, despair and boredom. Pet owners report less depression and appear to cope with grief, stress and loss better than non-pet owners.
Pets enhance social connectedness, social skills, conversation starters, company while you’re sick or feeling down, caregivers so you never feel alone and even protect the home while you’re away! If you’re considering owning a pet consider visiting your local RSPCA shelter where they will tell you what animals are available through adoption programs.