4 Good Reasons to Own a Pet

There are more than a few good reasons to own a pet. For one thing, pets tend to have a beneficial effect on human beings due mainly to the fact that they fulfil the basic need of human beings for touch. Even hardened prison criminals have shone favourable long term changes after having interacted with a pet, with many going through affection mutually for the first time. Touching, cuddling, holding or stroking an animal that is loving can rapidly soothe and calm you when you feel stress. A pet’s companionship can also help in easing lonely feelings. Some pets are good motivations for exercising which can boost mood substantially.

Great Buddies

Pets truly make great buddies. After a hard day at work, those who own pets truly feel the love. As a matter of fact, for almost twenty-five years, it has been proven by study after study that life with a pet can provide specific benefits to health. Not only can pets lessen anxiety, but they also lower blood pressure. They are also immunity boosters and to top it off, they can even help get you a date!

Good for Seniors

Research shows that patients going through Alzheimer’s have less outbursts of anxiety when there is a pet in the house. In addition, caregivers tend to feel less of a burden when a pet is indoors, particularly cats which require less caring than dogs. Caring for a pet or even just walking a dog for senior citizens who are able to is one way to provide companionship and exercise. When some insurance companies know that seventy-five year olds have pets in their lives, it usually helps tip the scales in their favour.

Magnets for Dates

Great for helping you form relationships, dogs help to start conversations easier. In particular, a pet dog can help ease individuals out of shyness or social isolation. People ask whether a dog can or cannot do tricks, what breed they are and which vet you go to.  Conversations around dogs are very easy to strike up.

Immunity Booster

In the past, families assumed that pets would increase the likelihood of allergies occurring and that kids would develop pet allergies. More and more studies, however, has made the suggestion that kids who grow up in homes with animals that have fur, such as a pet dog or pet cat or exposed to larger animals on a farm, have less of a risk of asthma and allergies.   

Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.