Every pet owner knows that their pets improve their lives, but there’s also scientific evidence to back it up. By providing us with unconditional love and affection, our pets make us feel better both physically and mentally. Here’s how:
Lower stress levels
According to a study by the State University of New York at Buffalo, people experience less stress when their pets are nearby. In fact, their stress levels were lower when their pets were around than when their family members or close friends were around.
Improved mental health
Just as our pets can help relieve stress, they can also help relieve the effects of other mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression. Overall, pet owners are found to be less likely than non-pet owners to suffer from a mental illness. This is because pets ease loneliness, a major contributor to depression, and playing with them helps us calm down and relax.
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
Not only are there mental benefits to owning a pet, but there are physical benefits too. Because pets lower our stress levels, this in turn lowers our blood pressure. Additionally, pets (especially dogs) encourage us to maintain a healthier lifestyle. By exercising more frequently, our cholesterol levels and blood pressure drop.
Less pain
If you deal with chronic pain or migraines, you could benefit from having a pet. Pets reduce anxiety, which in turn reduces pain. One study by Loyola University even found that people who had therapy dogs needed significantly less pain medication than those who did not.
Clearly, the benefits of adding a four-legged friend to your family can’t be overstated. So, if you’re ready to bring a dog into your household, be sure to check out the available puppies here at Pauley’s Pups.