Pets in the home are growing more common every day, for a variety of reasons — from keeping loneliness at bay to becoming one more member of the family, or even adopting an animal that needs a home. Either way, having an animal at home brings health benefits, physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Those who have a pet at home tend to be emotionally stable people and tend to be healthier, since domestic animals bring happiness and companionship, especially to those who feel alone in life.
Veterinarian Paula Mayorga of Siu Esencias florales notes that: “The feelings that dogs, cats, or a companion animal bring within the family create wellbeing and happiness in people, and relieve stress.
They reduce anxiety and deep depression, as they shift mood, increase confidence and calm, and serve as sources of comfort and support”.
According to research on physical health conducted by Miami University of Ohio in the United States, having a pet at home keeps owners healthy, improves their self-esteem, and lowers their stress levels.
Therapeutic animals
“In several countries, animals are used in different health programs where they achieve positive results, since their therapeutic purpose contributes to improving physical and emotional health” Mayorga noted.
A clear example of this in assisted therapy is the use of domestic animals in activities such as equine therapy for children with autism.
This has shown that having animals around children from an early age restores communication, improves personal relationships, and boosts self-esteem.
Just like having an animal at home, animal- or pet-assisted therapy reduces various emotional symptoms like the ones we've mentioned above.
Other benefits
Research conducted by the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia, shows that pets are a protective factor against cardiovascular disease, since they lower blood pressure and heart rate during moments of stress.
Likewise, a pet, especially dogs, helps their owner stay energetic, since the pet pushes them to do physical activities together that contribute to a healthy heart.
Take care of your pet
Having a pet is beneficial in psychological, physiological, therapeutic, and psychosocial ways — the love, loyalty, support, and trust they're willing to give us is so unconditional that we owe it to them to take care of them, take them to regular vet checkups, and give them the quality of life they deserve.
“In my opinion, there's nothing more wonderful than coming home and being greeted with so much joy and unconditional love, having them look for ways to get your attention and offer comfort no matter the circumstances” Mayorga concludes.
Now that you know the benefits of welcoming these wonderful animals, are you ready to have a pet in your home?
“Until you have loved an animal, part of your soul will remain asleep.” Anatole France