Some people are dog people, some people are cat people, and some people prefer a lizard in a tank. There is a saying that says a dog is a man’s best friend. But let’s look at this logically, most dogs are everyone’s best friend. And that is what makes them so special. Animals just seem to know things.
They seem to know when you’re not feeling very well in a physical sense and can also seem to sense when you’re not feeling well in a mental way too. Dogs, in particular, are a special kind of being on this planet.
And let’s think about it just for a minute. Is there anything as wonderful as watching your pet snuggle up under their favorite blanket? Most likely not, apart from snuggling up with them.
In recent years there has been a rise in people who are very vocal about mental health, and that has led to many documented health benefits of owning a four-legged furry friend. That’s not to say that having a beautiful lizard can’t help your mental health, but dogs and cats just seem to come out top.
If you’re ready to hear more about all of the wonderful things that our four-legged furry friends bring to your life in terms of health benefits, then read on.
Keeping active
We all know that moving as much as possible is good for us. But do you know what really makes a walk on a cold winter’s morning perfect? Taking a furry companion with you. If you have a dog, they are going to need to walk just as much as you do; in fact, they might even need to walk a little bit more. Once you have a dog, you are much more likely to make sure that you are regularly walking because they need it. Even a short walk will keep you healthy and help prevent a whole range of possible illnesses. Not only that, but a walk is great to clear your mind. If you want to get even more active, you can take your dog to training classes. Well, you can both learn a whole range of new skills. And something great about learning new skills? Is it can help improve your confidence too.
Lower blood pressure
A surprising amount of people suffer from anxiety, high blood pressure, and chronic stress. In a 2002 study, there was some research done into people who had a dog or a cat. Interestingly, people who did have a dog or a cat had a lower heart resting rate than those who didn’t. The participants were specifically asked to do things that would increase their stress levels, and it was noted after the study that all the pet owners had lower blood pressure and heart rate. And in fact, they returned to normal much faster too.
It has also been shown that owning a pet can also improve the recovery rate for post-heart attack survival.
It might not feel like your pet is lowering your blood pressure when you’re in the middle of training your puppy or kitten to use the litter box or when you’re taking them for their annual dog teeth cleaning, all nail clipping appointments. However, they are few and far between moments that don’t compare to how much a dog or a cat can lower your blood pressure (or cheer you up when you need it most).
Therapy
It is not a new thing to see dogs, cats, and even equines are used for therapy. Dementia, anxiety, and learning difficulties are all areas with specialist dogs, and well-trained horses and ponies can help people cope with day-to-day life.
Of course, cats are just cats, and they are happy to go with the flow, and simply being around them can be a huge help. The calming presence of dogs, cats, and equine can help to decrease the levels of agitated behaviors and even help encourage those who have trouble showing affection to display affection.
Dogs are also creatures of routine, and there are many humans that also thrive when a pattern is placed. Combined, those two and that can be a very reassuring day to know exactly what’s happening and exactly when.
Stress
While stress is linked to high blood pressure, when a dog lays its head on your lap, and you start to gently stroke them in a rhythmic way, your stress levels are reduced. This does work with almost any fairy pet.
However, it is noted that dogs and cats just seem to know and understand when you need some of that extra calm affection.
When your day has been particularly difficult knowing that your dog or other fairy friend is available to talk to, snuggle up to, and take for a mind-clearing walk, this can be a very life-affirming thing.
Care
Animals teach us how to care about something that can’t really do anything for us in return. An example is you quite often will have to change your cat’s litter tray or pick up your dog’s poop after you’ve gone for a walk. These are things that you have to do to take care of your dog or cat in the right way.
And they cannot return the favor here. It can also help children to learn about responsibility, and it has been noted that animals can help to enhance a child’s empathy as they grow.
Well, owning a pet seems like something that everyone should do; that isn’t always the case. You must pick a dog, cat, or another animal breed that actually works with you and your family. Your lifestyle will have a significant impact on how and when your animals get to play, eat, and relax.
And when it comes to animal care, you simply can’t decide that you don’t want to do it anymore. Regular walks, regular food, fresh water, and plenty of snuggles are going to be demanded of you. But you get so much in return, in the form of love.
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