For the pet lover, owning a pet brings many benefits-from having someone to come home to after a long day at work to the morning snuggles and cuddles that help us begin our day, our pets bring us more than just joy, comfort, and laughs. They boost our health and improve our social lives, which is no surprise to the millions of people who own pets.
This month’s blog reflects on just three of the many benefits to owning a pet.
Pets Improve our Mood
Any pet lover knows that the worst day at work can be eased by coming home to your dog or cat who is always eager and excited to see you. Just the mere touch, snuggle, or wiggly tail can put a person in a better mood. And who doesn’t laugh at the countless TikTok videos of funny animal clips?!
Sad, depressed, anxious? Get a pet! According to Help.guide, pets increase our seratonin and dopamine levels, leaving us with feelings of peace and security and lowering anxiety and depression.
It’s a fact that “Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets” (source).
But only those without pets need to read a study to understand how owning something that loves you unconditionally can improve your mood even at the lowest of times.
Pets Improve our Health
Great dog owners understand their dog’s needs to go for a walk, and that walk benefits the owners as well. In a world that celebrates 10,000 steps a day, walking is a great way to get in those steps, burn calories, maintain a healthy weight, improve heart health, and improve sleep.
Looking for more information about how walking a dog can improve your health? Click this health article by Denise Lum.
Pets Make Us Social
People with pets tend to interact with others more than people without pets. I once noticed my neighbor walking his cat on a leash and commented how unusual this was and how happy his cat seemed to be. This neighbor, whom I’ve never spoken to or seen again, and I struck up a conversation that would not have occurred beyond a simple, “Hi,” if he was doing anything other than walking his cat.
Our family owned a Flemish Giant Rabbit, and we had neighbors and dogs come up to our gate all of the time to ask about this huge Bunny. Every neighbor, delivery person, contractor or landscaper who came over has a picture of Teddy on their phone.
Just yesterday, I commented on my neighbor who had just gotten a new puppy. We chatted briefly about the joys and challenges of puppyhood!
My neighbor is very thoughtful about sending me images of my cat peering in on him in his bedroom. She is an escape artist and my neighbor reaches out with his takes on what it looks like on his end to have our little Houdini cat acting like the neighborhood Peeping Tom.
Pets allow people to strike up conversations they may not otherwise have started if it wasn’t for a pet. According to a study conducted by Harvard and the University of Australia, “…people with pets were 60 percent more likely than people without pets to easily meet other folks in their communities.”
The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Loves All of Your Pets
No matter what your reasons are for getting a pet, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa loves your pets! We can attest that your pets provide us laughter and joy. Coming to work is the best part of our day!
If you would like more information on our doggie daycare, dog or cat boarding, or board and stay programs, please reach out to us! Our friendly and helpful staff is here to answer all of your questions!
