Introduction: We call our pets our best friend for a very good reason. Pets not only bring joy, companionship and love into our lives but they can also improve our health in unexpected ways. From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting our immune system, owning a pet can profoundly impact our physical, mental, and emotional health. This listicle explores 9 surprising benefits of owning your pet.
- Lower Stroke Risk
Believing it or not owning pets can actually reduce your stroke risk. According to the American Heart Association's study, owning pets can reduce your risk of stroke up to 40%. Pets help to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and encourage physical activity.
- A sense of purpose is important
The responsibility of caring for a pet is a great way to feel connected and purposeful, especially for those with mental health or addiction issues. Pets can motivate us to get up in the morning, and make us feel more connected with the world.
- Support Emotional Needs
Animals can provide emotional support to those who are struggling with trauma or mental health issues. Therapy dogs are trained, for instance, to comfort and support people suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Spending time alone with a pet is also a great way to relieve loneliness and feelings of sadness.
- Lower Blood Flow
Did you ever know that pet ownership can help lower blood pressure? According to a recent study by the American Heart Association petting your dog can help calm you down, which in turn can reduce your blood pressure. This is particularly beneficial for older adults at risk of high blood pressure.
- Reduce Pain
It has been proven that pets can positively impact pain management. This is especially true for people with chronic pain. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pet therapy can reduce pain, improve mood and decrease the use of pain medication.
- Teach Responsibility
A pet can teach responsibility to children, in particular. Feeding, exercising, and grooming a pet will help develop life skills in children and teach them the importance of caring about others. It can also help develop compassion and empathy for both animals and humans.
- Improve Self-Esteem
Pets also help to improve self-esteem. Taking care of a pet can give us a sense of accomplishment and pride, which can help boost our confidence and self-esteem. Pets offer unconditional love, acceptance and can make us feel better about ourselves.
- Provide a sense of safety
Pets in the home can give us a feeling of security. Dogs in particular can serve as an alarm system that protects us from potential intruders. Owning a dog can also help you to feel safer at night.
- Reduced Depression Risk
You can lower your risk for depression by owning a dog or cat. A study conducted by the University of Missouri found that pet owners were less likely to suffer from depression symptoms than non-pet owner. This is because animals provide companionship. They promote physical exercise and release endorphins. These can all help improve our mood.
Owning a pet has a positive impact on your health and happiness. Pets provide many benefits for our health and well-being. Take the time to choose the perfect pet for your lifestyle and yourself if you are considering a new pet. It doesn't matter if it is a cat, dog or any other type of pet. Their love and companionship are truly priceless.
Common Questions
What is the best pet for someone with allergies to have?
Consider getting a hypoallergenic cat or dog if you suffer from allergies. These breeds are less likely to produce dander which can make them more tolerant for those with allergies.
How can I be sure that my dog is getting enough activity?
Set aside time each day for your pet to exercise, whether going for a walk or playing with toys. Also, hire a pet or dog walker in order to ensure your pet receives adequate physical activity.
How do I prevent my dog from damaging the furniture in my home?
Use toys and scratching boards to redirect your pet's energy from damaging your furniture. Use deterrent sprays and covers to protect furniture.
What can I do if a pet is showing aggression?
If your pet is showing signs of aggression, seek the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist. Take steps to protect yourself and those around you.
How can I introduce other pets or humans to my pet?
It is important to supervise any interactions between your pet and other people or pets. Use positive reinforcement techniques like praise and treats to make your pet more confident and comfortable.
FAQ
What are the things you should consider when buying a pet?
It is important to decide what kind of lifestyle and activities you would like for your family. Do you have kids? Do you have children? How old are they now? Do they have any special dietary needs?
Do you have allergies? Is there anything else you need to know about your pet?
Now, you can think about whether you are looking to find an active companion, quiet lap dog or house-trained cat. Or perhaps a fish tank filled with tropical fish.
If you're considering adopting a puppy, make sure you visit a shelter or rescue group where you can meet the animals and see if you feel comfortable with them.
You'll also want to know if the animal has been vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.
Finally, ask the owner if he or she will take care of the animal while you go on vacation. This will make it so you don't have worry about leaving your pet home.
Keep in mind that pets are part and parcel of your family.
What should I do if my dog bites someone?
First, make sure the animal isn't rabid if you are attacked. If that is not possible, get help. You could be seriously hurt if you try to manage the situation yourself.
If the pet is not aggressive but bites, it should be taken to a veterinary hospital. Your vet will examine it, and then advise you if additional treatment is necessary.
Rabies shots are usually required in most cases. These should never be administered yourself. Only a qualified person should be able to do this.
What is pet coverage?
Pet Insurance offers financial protection to pets in case they are injured or become sick. It also covers routine veterinary care such as vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
Additional benefits include emergency treatment in the event your pet becomes ill or is involved in an accident.
There are two types if pet insurance:
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Catastrophic Insurance - This insurance covers medical expenses for your cat if it sustains severe injuries.
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Non-catastrophic - This type covers routine veterinary costs, including vaccines, microchips, and spays/neuters.
Certain companies offer both catastrophic coverage and non-catastrophic. Some companies offer only one type of coverage.
To cover these costs you will need to pay a monthly Premium. The amount will vary depending on how much money you spend on pet care.
This insurance can cost you a lot depending on which company you choose. Make sure to shop around before you buy.
You may be eligible for discounts if more than one policy is purchased by the company.
You can transfer an existing pet insurance plan from another company to a new one.
If you don't want to purchase pet insurance, you will have to pay all the costs yourself.
There are still ways you can save money. You can ask your veterinarian about discounts.
You may be disregarded by your pet if he sees you frequently.
If you prefer to pay for a pet, there are many options.
Remember, no matter what kind of insurance you buy, you must read the fine print carefully.
It will tell you exactly what your coverage is worth. If you aren't sure about something, call the insurer immediately.
Statistics
- Reimbursement rates vary by insurer, but common rates range from 60% to 100% of your veterinary bill. (usnews.com)
- * Monthly costs are for a 1-year-old female mixed-breed dog and a male domestic shorthair cat less than a year old, respectively, in excellent health residing in Texas, with a $500 annual deductible, $5,000 annual benefit limit, and 90% reimbursement rate. (usnews.com)
- It's among a relatively few companies that provide policies with a full (100%) coverage option, meaning you are not responsible for any co-payment of bills. (money.com)
- It is estimated that the average cost per year of owning a cat or dog is about $1,000. (sspca.org)
- Monthly costs are for a one-year-old female mixed-breed dog and an under one-year-old male domestic shorthair cat, respectively, in excellent health residing in Texas, with a $500 annual deductible, $5,000 annual benefit limit, and 90% reimbursement rate. (usnews.com)
External Links
How To
How to train a dog as a pet
A pet dog is an animal companion that provides emotional support and companionship to its owner. It can also protect you from predators or other animals.
It is important that pet dogs are trained to obey their owners and do tasks like fetching things, guarding against intrusions, following commands and performing tricks.
The average time for training is between six months to two years. The owner teaches the dog basic obedience skills such as how to sit, lay down, stay, come on command, roll over, and walk on command. The owner also teaches the dog how to use basic commands and to respect the dog's natural instincts.
Apart from teaching the basic behaviors to the dog, the owner should teach it to not bite other animals or people and to be respectful of strangers.