Did you know that it's scientifically proven that having pets is good for your health?
Studies show that pet owners often have lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, and stronger immune systems than those without. It's also said that pet owners are more compassionate and empathetic toward others.
If you have a pet of your own, you will know that they really are like family. They all have their own individual personalities and endearing little quirks.
Pets make great companions and help to combat loneliness by providing their families with unconditional love and friendship.
If I'm ever having a bad day, my little kitty boy, Rocky never fails to make me feel better. He seems to instinctively know when I'm feeling stressed, sad or angry, and always manages to do something funny to make me laugh.
He's not my only cat, I actually have 3 (yep, crazy cat lady status, I know!) - and they're all funny cats!
All it takes is for Rocky (he's my favourite, but we won't tell the other 2 that! đ) to jump up onto the lounge, give me a nice big headbutt, then drop into my arms, or flop his giant cat body across my lap or over my shoulder and I can't help but smile, no matter how bad I might be feeling.
He's a VERY good cuddler, and it doesn't take too long before I start to feel my stress, anger, sadness, or anxiety slowly dissipate.
Physical touch is also very good for your health and wellbeing, so if you have a pet, try to have as much physical interaction with them as you can. Rabbits and guinea pigs are good for cuddles and even birds can be trained to be held and/ or stroked.
Some people worry that pets are unclean, and in a sense, it can be true, but counterintuitively, some of the microbes they carry can actually help strengthen your immune system - just try to make sure they've had all their worming treatments so that you don't pick up any nasty parasites from them!
Pets also increase opportunities for exercise and physical movement which is amazing for your health and wellbeing. You can take your dog for a walk or play ball or frisbee in the park or yard with them, or run around the house with a string toy to get your cat to chase you.
Having a dog also increases opportunities for socialisation - you can take them to the dog park and meet other dog owners that way, or you might pass the same people on your regular route while on your daily walk. People always want to stop and say "hi" so they can pet your dog!
Another reason that having a pet is good for your health and wellbeing is that they teach responsibility and can give you a sense of purpose. There's nothing like the feeling of caring for another living being.
And also, let's face it, pets are just damn entertaining! Pets can certainly relieve feelings of boredom, whether you're watching them do something weird and funny, or mesmerised by the relaxing way your fish swim around their tank.
These are just some of the benefits pets can add to your health and wellbeing, but if you don't have a pet of your own, don't despair - you can always borrow one!
Visit friends or family that have pets or maybe even become a pet sitter or a dog walker. You don't necessarily have to have your own pet in order to reap the benefits. You could even volunteer at an animal shelter and show some love to those who need it most!
Failing that, if you're in a position to, why not adopt one? Keep in mind though that they are a lifelong commitment and can be a lot of work and responsibility.
Pets need to be fed and watered daily, they will need shelter and exercise, from time to time they will need medical treatment, and you're going to need to wash or groom them and/ or clean up after them depending on which pet you decide on.
They can sometimes be a little like children in a sense too and aren't always happy to do as they're told. If you can handle it though, the payoff is definitely worth it.
Just make sure you do your research beforehand to make sure that any pet you get is right for you and your family - they're not like a pair of jeans that you can return to the store if they don't fit you well.
They are living beings with needs and feelings of their own. Put yourself in the animal's position - you wouldn't like it if your family sent you away to live with someone else in an unfamiliar place with no explanation, so make sure that you know what you're getting yourself into before making any life-changing decisions.
Do you have any pets of your own at home? Or maybe someone in your family or friendship circle has a pet that you like to spend time with? I'd love to hear about the special little animal(s) in your life!
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Lisa. đ xx
What gorgeous little pets you have đĽ°