How a pet can benefit your health!

2020 was stressful. A positive aspect of the pandemic was an uptick in animal adoptions. Why? Not only are pets cute, science shows they are actually good for you.

Heart Health:

Multiple studies have shown that a person’s blood pressure drops when they are in the presence of an animal. Pets also have a positive effect on your resting heart rate.

Exercise

A pet will help you get more exercise! A dog will stare at you with those ‘hard to resist’ eyes until you take them for a walk! This gets you on your feet and out of the house,

and we all know the benefits of being active!

Companionship

Watching “The Great British Baking Show” is better with a friend–your 4-legged friend cuddled up next to you drooling on your favorite pillow. Dogs make the best listeners as well and will give you their undivided attention.

Touch

Most dogs love to be petted. As humans, we need physical touch for our mental health. It lowers our feelings of anger, boosts your immune system, and lowers stress hormones.

Laugh

Laughing increases endorphins and decreases stress hormones like cortisol and dopamine. Pets do the funniest things, and laughter truly is good for the soul. It’s a perfect pairing.

Self-esteem.

A recent study from two universities found that people who owned a pet were more confident in themselves. They had better self-esteem than someone without a pet, in many cases. Maybe that is because you have something/someone else to focus your attention on.

Love

Pets love unconditionally. So even if life is uncertain and gets you down, you can rely on your best friend always being there to pick you up with a wagging tale and lots of kisses.

In summary…

Having a pet is good for the mind, body, and soul. They are a huge responsibility and getting one should never be taken lightly. However, they are worth it. Run to your local shelter and save a pet…then see how they will save you.