If you love having animals as a part of your family, this article is for you. Pets are often thought of as companion animals, or as a luxury item – and there’s an argument to made for both views. But if you look beyond that and really think about it, owning a pet has the potential to improve children’s health and well-being in so many ways. The chances are good that if you have pets in your home, you end up getting involve in outdoor activities with them on a regular basis.
What are the benefits of pets for human health?
Physical health benefits:
Pets are calmer and more co-operative when interacting with humans, which is a benefit for all concerned. Petting a dog or a cat has been show to have positive effects on circulation, heart rate and blood pressure. If you have to help your pet up after falling down, you’re likely to much less agitated than if you had been task with the job by someone else.
Social health benefits:
The benefits of pets for human health do not stop at physical health – they extend into the area of social health. Pets help build stronger family bonds, and they make life more pleasant for those who take care of them while others are at work or school. People who have a pet that they can take out with them to places where they will be able to interact with other people tend to have more friends and acquaintances. Pets are also an excellent source of company for those who do not live with other people or for those who are lonely.
Your pet is your child’s teacher:
This is one of the lesser know benefits of pets for human health – that your cat or dog may become a child’s first teacher. To be clear, this does not mean that the vet is the best place for a child to learn about life; on the contrary, he or she will benefit from good medical care. However, a lot of lessons about responsibility, compassion and empathy can be learn from simply living with a pet.
Pets are highly entertaining:
The benefits of having pets for human health do not stop there. If you have kids and no pets, you’re missing out on one of the best ways to keep your children occupied. Pets are often highly entertaining and if you’re willing, they can be train to do simple tricks so that you can enjoy their company even more.
Pets provide exercise:
It’s no secret that having pets in the house encourage people to get up and get moving every day. The benefits of pets for human health mean that there are more opportunities for physical activity than you might have had otherwise. Many owners find that exercising with their pet provides a great source of pleasure, too – after all, it is enjoyable to watch your pet perform tricks or more complex tasks for you.
Pets give back to the world:
Pets are also sources of giving back to their owners and the less fortunate. They are able to see the world through your eyes, and they will often be more empathetic than you. Those who love having pets in their home will also find that it makes a difference to others – whenever you go out for a walk with your pet.
Pets provide love:
Finally, there’s no denying that pets provide unconditional love. The benefits of having pets for human health are clear. Even if you’ve never been a dog person, learning more about them may just change your mind.
Final Verdict:
Benefits of Pets for human health are many and vary, ranging from physical and mental health to family bonding. These pets add a whole other dimension to life that can be every bit as enriching as the time spent which is generally consider to be the best part of social life. If you’re on the fence about getting a pet, remember what an advantage it will be for your children. You don’t have to spend a fortune on having pets. All you need is love and attention, which your pet will happily give you in return.