It’s no secret that pets bring happy moments into our everyday lives. Yes, we know you take selfies with your cat and ask your dog about his day! But, did you know that there are health benefits to owning a pet?! It’s true! If you’re looking for one more reason to adopt a furry friend from the local animal shelter, there you have it. Want to learn what makes our four-legged friends so beneficial for our health? Read on.
1. Our Furry Friends Offer Stress Release.
Being in the same room as your furry friend helps you relax. When you look at your pet, oxytocin—a powerful neurochemical—is released, bringing you feelings of joy. In addition, there is a decrease in cortisol, a stress hormone. Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Spending time with your dog or cat can lower your blood pressure. What great health benefits of owning a pet!
2. Those Dog Walks Are Keeping You Active.
If a decrease in stress and high blood pressure is not enough, the following health benefits of owning a pet might change your mind! Every time you take your dog out, you are also getting a workout. A study discovered that dog owners walk an average of 300 minutes a week instead of non-dog owners who walk an average of 168 minutes a week. Next time your pet wakes you up in the middle of the night, think of the incredible health benefits of owning a pet!
3. May Prevent Your Children from Developing Allergies.
Reduction in stress and increase in physical activity aren’t the only benefits of owning a pet. According to a study, children who were around pets before reaching six months of age were less likely to develop allergies, hay fever, and eczema as they grew older. A pet can truly be your child’s first best friend!
4. Helps Distract You from Chronic Pain.
Since spending time with your pet releases endorphins, having a furry friend around can distract a person from the chronic pain they are experiencing. According to a study at Loyola Marymount Chicago, researchers found that people who underwent joint replacement surgery and received pet therapy needed fewer painkillers. Simply having a four-legged friend to take care of can also distract you from pain!
5. Makes You Happier.
Pets form a bonding friendship with their owners, bringing happiness and calmness. If you’re going through depression, being around a pet around can serve as a distraction from negative thoughts. Plus, having a pet that gives you love, attention and gets super excited every time you walk through the door can be a huge self-esteem booster for anyone.
Whether you’re a proud pet owner or thinking of adopting a four-legged buddy, you’re now aware of all the tremendous health benefits a pet can provide. And, if you’re feeling ill and just want to stay home with your furry friends, now you can! By downloading and using the Sniffle app, you can connect with a primary care physician from the comfort of your own home. That’s right; you can stay in your pajamas and schedule a consultation through the app. It’s that easy. What’s the best part, you ask? You can stay home and cuddle with your furry friend and receive all those extra health perks. It sounds like a win-win for you and your pet!
