There are tons of reasons why anyone would want to get a pet, but health benefits might be the best reason yet. Not only are animals a great addition to your family, but they provide immune-boosting qualities that better your health! Here are the three ways that pet ownership can positively affect your health!

Physical Health

Depending on the type of pet you add to your family, there are various physical health benefits that come with each. If you choose a typical house pet like a cat or dog, the activities necessary to take care of them may require physical movement. Your dog will need continual walking which will allow you to get out and exercise daily. Your cat may also like walks, and daily engagement with them can burn calories. Pets like horses require various amounts of exercise to keep them happy and healthy, which in turn can benefit you. Not only can you increase your exercise routine with pet ownership, but you can also decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels!

Social Health

Social health may not be something you expect to change from having a furry friend. Animals can actually affect your social life. Opportunities for socialization present themselves more when you have a pet. There are specific hangouts that allow pets like the park, your neighborhood, cafes, and even your office! Different locations are opening their doors to animals, and your pet is a natural ice breaker. According to Animal Planet, pets can make meeting new people easier because they offer a topic of conversation and a distraction. There are plenty of opportunities that pets can improve your socialization skills and meeting new people!

Emotional Health

Pets naturally offer companionship to their owners or families, which benefits your mental health. Owning a pet can provide someone a purpose. Animals are something that need to be taken care of daily and need attention. Once you begin taking care of an animal, an organic partnership occurs whether you recognize it or not. A pet depends on you to be there for them and then naturally their entire world revolves around you. Not only do they give purpose and validation to life, but they love unconditionally. These aspects of pet ownership greatly affect emotional health. According to Harvard Health, we do best medically and emotionally when we feel securely attached to another because we are mammals and that’s the way we’ve evolved. Harvard continues to says when you’re securely attached to a living being, biological brain effects reduce your stress response. This can directly affect your anxiety and stress levels. So not only will your pet love you, they will make you feel less stressed!

Animals are incredible creatures that bring humor, happiness, and good health into our lives. Since they are bringing good health to our lives, it is our job to make sure we do the same. If you’ve recently added a new furry friend to your life, or your pet is in need of a check-up Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital can help! We offer a variety of services to make sure your companion is happy and healthy. We are passionate about providing high-quality care and compassionate veterinary care to your pet. For more information of the benefits pets bring to your life, or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website here or call us today!