5 BENEFITS OF HEATING ANIMALS FOR HEALTH

Having a pet can provide many benefits to human health. Suppose you don't have a phobia or allergy to certain animals, what are the benefits of having animals for health?

1. Reduce Stress and Depression

Studies by the National Institute of Health (NIH) show that humans who own pets recover more quickly from stress and depression. Playing with pets can increase the production of the hormones serotonin and dopamine. These two hormones will make us feel happy, calm, focused, and motivated.

2. Maintain Heart Health

Another study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that owning a pet can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and reduce the risk of a fatal heart attack.

3. Coping With Loneliness & Providing Social Support

Pets can be loyal and loving companions. They will welcome you home with enthusiasm and joy. They can accompany you when you are alone and provide comfort. They will not criticize and judge based on your appearance or illness. They are perfect listeners, you can tell them anything and they will never divulge any secrets.

4. Improve Your Overall Health

Pets, especially dogs, need regular exercise to maintain their body condition. Taking your dog for a walk or play will allow you to exercise regularly too. Dogs are healthy, you too are healthy!

5. Teaches You a Sense of Responsibility & Gives You a Sense of Purpose

Caring for animals is a responsibility. Many people are actually afraid of responsibility – whatever it takes. However, psychologists say, being responsible for something has a good effect on mental health, because it will provide a meaningful purpose for life. If we can take good care of them, their lives are healthy and happy, of course it will be a matter of pride and happiness for us as owners.

There are so many health benefits that we can get from having a pet. Are you interested in owning a pet now?

Sukanya Biswas. (2019). The benefits of pets for human health. Psychology and Behavioral Science International Journal, (13)3, 1-3. DOI: 10.19080/PBSIJ.2019.13.555862

McConnell, A. R., Brown, C. M. (2011). Friends with benefits: on the positive consequences of pet ownerships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(6), 1-14. DOI: 10.1037/a0024506