How Having A Pet Can Change Your Life

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Having a pet can open your heart in ways that endlessly surprise you and make it possible for you to feel empathy for all creatures. It gives you an opportunity to bond with someone who will never ask for more than the benefit of your care and companionship.  

Your furry friend will provide you with a sense of purpose and give you the gift of unconditional love. Dogs and cats can vastly improve your mental health and get you moving, which is essential to your physical fitness. No one is a better listener than a pet when you need a trustworthy and non-judgmental ear. 

Sharing your life with an animal companion can heal you in ways you never expected. In this article, you will learn more about the joys of pet ownership and how having a pet can change your life. 

How A Pet Changes Your Life

Having a dog or cat makes the family complete, and if you live alone, your pet becomes your most faithful companion and devoted confidant. It is a privilege to invite a furry friend into your home and give them the life they deserve. The ways a pet changes your life: 

Exercise And Play Become Routine

When you have a dog or cat, exercise and play become part of your daily routine. Dogs require several walks a day, and your furry feline must satisfy their inner hunter, as their favorite play includes interactive games that involve the simulation of prey. Daily play with your pet is vital to their health and yours. Some ways to exercise your pets:

• Fetch
• Agility 
• Running 
• Swimming
• Interactive play

Dogs tend to enjoy the above activities as it is fun for both the pet parent and canine companion and keeps them in shape, which prevents obesity. Making time to play with your cat daily encourages them to exercise release pent-up energy, and it enriches their lives. Your pet helps you work in extra physical activity, which is vital to your health and fitness. 

Boosts Mental Health And Changes Chemicals In Your Brain 

Owning a pet will improve your mental health and positively change the chemicals in your brain. According to The Harvard Gazette, “Animals ease loneliness and boost oxytocin-the love hormone.” Cuddling with your pet releases oxytocin, which strengthens your bond. The next time you feel blue or lonely, snuggle up on the couch with them. 

John Hopkins Medicine states, “Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone, cortisol, while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that bonds mothers to babies.”  Several chemicals in your brain increase when you have a pet:

• Oxytocin 
• Serotonin
• Dopamine 
• Endorphins 

There is also evidence that pets help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and boost immunity. Research suggests that the vibration of a cat’s purrs can have a therapeutic effect on humans and facilitate healing. 

Family dogs are good for kids. It helps them increase physical activity and lowers the risk of obesity. Having a dog often motivates children to exercise more. 

When you have a furry friend who gives you unconditional love and affection, it can mean the difference between feeling alone in the world to experiencing joy and delight in a furry family member who makes your house a home. 

A Renewed Sense Of Purpose

Caring for someone who depends on you for their survival can be a very rewarding experience. It can give you a renewed sense of purpose. You must accommodate your dog or cat’s routine and feed them on a set schedule so they know what to expect. Some ways your pet can give you purpose:

• Builds confidence
• Teaches responsibility
• Promotes daily routine  
• Gives emotional support

Taking your pet to the vet for their routine checkups and when they require treatment is a significant responsibility. You need to be able to recognize changes in their health, mood, and behavior. Good grooming practices are also imperative. In some ways, having a pet is like having a child. They should be treated with the same care and dignity. 

Adds To Your Social Calendar

Pets can add to your social calendar like nothing else. Daily walks with your dog can spark lighthearted conversation with your neighbors and bringing your pup to the dog park is an ideal way for both of you to meet new friends. 

Even if you post adorable pictures of your cats or funny cat videos on social media, it can get you “likes” and create interest. Cat people often gravitate toward others who prefer the company of those belonging to the feline persuasion. 

“Laughter Is The Best Medicine” 

Speaking of funny cat videos, your pet can make you smile and laugh more. This phenomenon is due to their amusing antics and cute comic relief. While they do not mean to be funny, it is hard not to giggle when you watch your dog or cat have the zoomies. 

Dogs sometimes chase their tails, and cats tend to try to fit themselves into boxes that are too small for their size. These are examples of how your pet can make you laugh and bring a bit of levity to an otherwise stressful day.  

Conclusion 

A dog or cat can enrich your life, teach you or your kids responsibility, help you find a purpose, and encourage you to exercise more. When you have a pet, it is like having a child. They are innocent and vulnerable and depend on your consistent care for their survival. Most importantly, your pet will love you unconditionally and make you a better person.

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