In many homes across the world, pets have become more than just little buddies; they have become a part of a family. From cats curling up on a couch to dogs wagging their tails nonstop, our pets have a way of improving our mental, physical and even our social lives.
Many scientific studies have shown that spending quality time with our pets can reduce stress and anxiety while improving our mental status. Loving on your pets triggers Oxytocin, aka the “love hormone,” which actually helps lower blood pressure and even slows the heart rate. Many people deal with depression or loneliness, and those people have stated how having a pet helps them feel welcomed and always have someone there with them. Fun fact, during the Covid 19 pandemic, adoption shelters hit an all-time high due to many people adopting pets to help while being stuck at home.
According to the American Heart Association, pet owners are most likely to meet their daily exercise goals rather than those without pets. Pets keep us moving without us really realizing it. Whether walking the dog, playing ball, rough housing with a cat inside or even walking the cat are all technically ways of exercise. You are moving, getting your heart pumping and blood flowing. The physical aspect of having a pet is a large selling point in the adoption world.
Pets have their way of bringing different people together, while walking a dog people often stop and ask, “Aww, can I pet them?” Sending a picture of a pet to a newer friend may prompt a response of how adorable they are. That is another example of how pets can improve just people’s social life alone. According to the Independence Veterinary Clinic, those small interactions will help improve pet owners with social anxiety.
Regarding daily interaction with pets, senior Mason Posey said, “They sometimes like to wake me up early in the morning, so they are stress relievers and get me going early every day.” Senior Logan Mills stated, “They’re very needy, and they need love and care 24/7, which keeps me active and going.”
In the very end, pets are more than just mini best friends, they are mini trails to help improve many different aspects of life, mental, physical or even social. Those pets will always be a part of your family, and you will always be a part of theirs.
