Pet owners know how much their furry friend improves their
quality of life. But it's not all about unconditional love—although that
actually provides a wellness boost, too. Read on to discover some of the
incredible health benefits that can come with owning a pet.
- A quick break with your pet can lift your mood by reducing the stress hormone cortisol. Make time for playing, which elevates dopamine levels, helping you stay calm and relaxed.
- An animal's unconditional love makes it easy to smile and banish negative thoughts. Dogs in particular have this effect, ramping up the feel-good hormone oxytocin.
- Pets increase longevity by lowering pulse and blood pressure rates and may reduce your risk for heart disease. Cat owners are also one-third less likely to die from a stroke or heart attack.
- Strolling with your pooch makes you more likely to get the recommended level of physical activity. People without canine companions are twice as likely to be overweight.
- Regular walks ease joint pain and stiffness in knees, hips and ankles.
That said, if you decide to add a pet to your home, keep in mind that dogs and cats (while the most popular) are not your only options. Studies have shown health benefits from many types of human-animal interactions, including those with fish, horses and even dolphins.
So if you’re interested in experiencing all the great attributes that animals have to offer, getting a pet of your own may be just what the doctor ordered.
