Are pets only furry friends or something more precious to our lives? For most, the answer is simple: pets are members of one’s family. They provide affection, companionship, and mental and physical benefits for many. Since about 66% of families in the United States have pets at home, pets definitely play an important role in our families and communities, bring us comfort and support, and are integral to children’s emotional and social development. And as we go on to explore the importance of pets in our lives, it becomes clear that their role goes well beyond being a companion to us.
In fact, 95% of pet owners use their pets as stress-relieving mechanisms according to the American Heart Association. Such attachment is formed from unconditional love and loyalty, which helps deepen the bond even more, so pets are no longer just friends – they’re indeed true friends. This is evident in how pets enrich our lives, from improving relationships and protecting our homes to providing emotional support and comfort.
The Benefits of Owning Pets
Most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that can accompany the comfort of being close to a cuddly creature. The human-animal bond has become a topic of scientific scrutiny, revealing its numerous benefits.
Over time, pets have adapted to perceive human emotions and behavior. Different dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds, are known for their loyalty and smart instincts. Through training, it has been shown that these breeds can understand the words of their owners and even interpret vocal tones and physical gestures.
This unique connection allows pets to add real bliss and unconditional love to their life- even if it means putting up the occasional disturbance by dogs in the night. Challenging situations, such as moving with pets can bring a sense of calm and strength. Here are a few of the top ways that pets are improving their owner’s lives on a very real and daily basis.
1. Emotional Support for Recovering Addicts
One of the biggest advantages of having pets today is the undying support they give to recovering addicts. Whether it’s trying to resist the cravings of alcohol or getting through Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, the addict’s pet is there wagging his tail, being patient, and never judging to help their owner make it through.
Therapy dogs, in particular, have proven to be highly effective in supporting recovery. As Dr. Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland says, “Dogs exemplify mindfulness. They concentrate on the person all the time and know the art of sitting and loving someone who’s struggling with something.” A dog’s sleeping position is said to reflect their loyalty and attachment. For example, some dogs are so loyal to their owners that they prefer to sleep under the bed to stay close and watch over their owner’s well-being. Even when they’re whining softly for attention or lying down with one eye open while sleeping just to keep an eye on their loved one, it shows their dedication and constant watchfulness.
This can help a person in dealing with the darkest days of recovery because pets give emotional support and stability. Moreover, this support also fosters a sense of responsibility and helps patients rebuild their confidence and self-worth.
2. Help to Lower Blood Pressure
Recent studies in patients 60 years and older showed that patients who owned a pet showed a decrease in their systolic blood pressure readings. It is believed that older pet owners may enjoy an extended life, lower blood pressure, and even increased heart health by having their canine pals or even their feline friends around.
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology also supports this, suggesting that owning a pet can lower blood pressure due to the emotional support it provides. It doesn’t seem to matter what type of pet it is, as long as it is loyal and loving, and you have the desire to care for it with love yourself.
3. Reduce the Risk of Developing Allergies
Contrary to what you have believed all these years, it seems that owning pets doesn’t make you more apt to develop allergies. Instead, it seems that through studies performed on many young adults, the ones who were exposed to pets early in life had 50 percent fewer allergies than the ones who were exposed to pets later in life. So, not only are pets great for emotional support, but they might help your allergies down the road as well.
4. They Make Their Owners Healthy
As anyone who has a pet knows, it’s hard to watch TV or read a book all day, when you have a dog staring you in the face, begging to go outside or play. This not only makes your dog happy but also drives you to get up off the couch and lead a healthier lifestyle. The Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction was able to determine that the residents of public housing, who walked their therapy dogs for short periods, lost an average of 14.4 pounds with no change in diet while walking these pets for only 20 minutes a day, five times a week, over a year.
5. They Lower Stress Levels
Pets are well known for their ability to lower stress levels. Several studies show that your pet can reduce your stress levels more than friends, family or even your spouse can. Pets don’t judge, they don’t argue back or lecture you, they are just there laying in your lap, waiting to be petted and loving you no matter what you do. Research at the University of California at Davis has demonstrated that a dog or cat in the home of Alzheimer’s patients contributes to less stress and fewer anxious outbursts.
6. Pets Increase Your Social Interaction
Pets create opportunities for meeting new people and to know about them. When you go to pet stores, clubs, beaches, or parks with pets, you make friends with other pet owners and alleviate feelings of solitary life.
Furthermore, if you feel hesitant to attend social gatherings, a pet can help you become more comfortable meeting other pet owners, improve your relationships, and boost your emotional wellness.
7. Pets Help You Thrive in Remote Work
With the rise of remote work, pets have become an indispensable companion for many people. They provide emotional support, help alleviate feelings of loneliness, and help reduce stress levels associated with working from home. Whether it is playing with your pet for a while, having them around, or caring for a sick dog can also teach you some essential skills like empathy, responsibility, and time management which will serve you well in your work-from-home.
8. Pets as Mental Health Partners in Therapy
Trained pets are increasingly being used in the treatment of psychological patients suffering from anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Pet therapy animals can bring serenity and consolation where patients become bold enough to express their emotions in front of the therapists. Human associations with animals provide an immense driving force behind promoting wellness and good health in individuals with mental health illnesses.
Final Words
Pets are making a huge difference in the lives of their owners. From keeping them healthy to reducing stress levels, pets are even more awesome than we thought they were. Wouldn’t you agree? However, the loss of a pet comes with the inevitable pain, and getting over your pet’s death can be a difficult phase.
