Perks of being a pet owner
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/06/2021 (733 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
After a long day at work, I look forward to coming home to spend time with our cats. Often greeting me at the door, they welcome me home and instantly bring me joy.
For animal lovers such as myself, it is nice to know that there are many benefits to owning a pet in addition to the enjoyment that they bring us.
Research has identified that pet ownership can have emotional as well as health benefits to individuals and families. Whether your pet has fur, feathers or scales, the advantages of owning a pet can be similar.
Pets provide us with unconditional love and taking care of an animal can give an individual a sense of purpose and self-worth. Having your pet depend on you creates a feeling of being needed and wanted.
Several times throughout the day my cats will initiate a cuddle and can be heard meowing, as if they’re attempting to tell me something. I find myself responding as if talking to a young child. Interactions such as these are a testament to the fact that owning a pet can bring pleasure and happiness.
Pets provide their owners with companionship and can actually help reduce depression. For those individuals who live alone, the benefits of sharing your home with a pet can have a significant impact in preventing loneliness.
Playing with a pet is enjoyable as the antics of our animals frequently bring smiles to our face or make us laugh. Playing with animals can also elevate a person’s levels of serotonin and dopamine which can help us relax.
Having a pet can also increase opportunities for socialization. When walking a dog or spending time at a dog park you will be able to meet other pet owners and have the opportunity to engage in conversation. Connecting with other animal lovers while shopping for pet supplies or taking an obedience class is also an option.
Touching or stroking an animal can relax people when they are feeling anxious or stressed and can actually help to lower one’s blood pressure. Even watching fish in an aquarium can reduce muscle tension and lower your pulse rate.
Taking care of a pet as well as playing with them also results in increased movement, while taking a dog for a walk provides us with exercise, too. As we all know, the health benefits of being physically active are numerous.
Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca
Cindy Murdoch
Transcona community correspondent
Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca