Life without my pets would be ruff, to say the least.
No one ever really thinks about the little ways that having a pet heightens their quality of life. There's never really a reason to not want unconditional love from a small, cute animal, right? I had never thought much of why they meant so much to me or how much their existence actually made a change in my life. There's actually a science behind why our animals make our lives so much better, and it doesn't have anything to do with their appearance.
1. Animals help reduce stress!
Do you ever wonder why when you're playing with your dog, it seems to be so relieving? By playing with an animal, you release stress hormones and increase the stress-relieving hormone, oxytocin.
2. They can make your children smarter.
I'm not even kidding. There was a study called R.E.A.D. in an elementary school in Arizona, where assisted dogs encouraged children to read. The children who struggled to read at an adequate pace or were afraid to read out loud felt more comfortable reading to their dogs. They also learned to take care of their dogs throughout the day.
3. They help you live longer.
Studies have shown that most people who own pets have low blood pressure. It has also shown that dog owners, in particular, are more likely to survive a heart attack, and they lower the risk of heart disease.
4. Pets reduce anxiety!
Okay, so this one was always a little obvious to me. Our pets pick up on our emotions so easily, and because I'm prone to anxiety attacks, my dog is all over me when he knows I'm freaking out. It feels much better to have a dog to hold onto while you're crying over a test that you might fail (but probably won't) than having to deal with it by yourself. This method has also proven to work really well for little kids, too.
5. They also help with depression.
Remember the last reason when I said that they pick up on our emotions? Animals do this through hand gestures, body language, and interpreting the sounds in the tone of our voice. Cats and dogs fill the basic need to touch, and by doing that they tend to calm and soothe us. Hugging them and playing with them can elevate your levels of dopamine and serotonin.
6. You're more likely to exercise if you have a dog.
Surprise, surprise. That puppy you got for Christmas was actually an attempt to get you out of the house more. Elderly people, in particular, tend to spend more time outside with their dogs, but it does force more people, in general, to go outside and play with their dogs. Instead of buying a treadmill, try taking your dog for a walk a few times a day. It'll make you both happier.
7. Pets give you unconditional love.
Cats won't stand you up for a dinner date. Dogs won't make you sleep alone at night. Really, though, animals provide comfort in a way that humans sometimes can't. They're cute, cuddly, and they won't tell any of your secrets.
Overall, adopting an animal will make your household more bright and loving. They can change your emotional and physical health, and you'll always have someone to come home to.
