Studies have shown that adopting a pet can drastically benefit your health. This isn’t just a marketing ploy from the SPCA. Your pet’s life isn’t the only one you’ll be saving.
It’s true. Pets improve our lives. Outside of being ridiculously cute, there are real ways they can help you live longer and a more fulfilled life all around.
The Physical Benefits
If you adopt a dog, your new best friend will enjoy long walks outside. Together you can chase those endorphins and get Vitamin D. Dog owners are naturally more active than non-dog owners. Be sure to adopt a pup that fits in with your activity level, or before you know it, you’ll be a couch to marathon runner.
There are a lot of obese dogs in shelters who could use a new walking buddy. As a mutual benefit, you both could lose a few pounds. Fido could even help lower your cholesterol. The more active you are, the more your new friend will appreciate you, and the better you’ll feel.
The Mental Health Benefits
When you have something to take care of, you might find it easier to roll out of bed in the morning. Let’s be honest, a cat isn’t going to let you sleep in when they need their breakfast. Mittens will be jumping on your face until you get up, so you may as well become an early riser.
Having something around to get you out of bed can also help with depression. You’ll find yourself feeling less lonely. Having a companion can give you someone to talk to, someone to cry to, and someone to celebrate with. Don’t worry when you find yourself dancing around the kitchen with Mittens as you celebrate your birthday.
Therapy dogs, cats, and miniature horses have been used for decades to make patients in hospitals and nursing homes feel better. By adopting a pet, you’ll have an around-the-clock therapist.
Dogs have also been used for people who have PTSD. It’s believed that pets can help reduce anxiety as they have a calming effect for some. Several military veterans benefit from having therapy dogs.
You need to decide what type of pet would be the best for your lifestyle. Maybe don’t immediately go adopt a mini horse. And remember that you can start small and get a little goldfish tank if you’re not quite ready to take on something four-legged.