How does it feel when your four-legged companion greets you excitedly when you return home after a tiring day?

Owning a pet is certainly one of the greatest gifts of life. In the US around 65% of households have either a cat or dog. The unconditional love, affection and companionship that pets offer creates wonder for our well-being and health.

Around 90% of pet owners consider pets as their family members. When it comes to the benefits of having a pet, the clinical findings look very exciting.

Pet therapy and interventions involving animals are slowly gaining popularity alongside the conventional medicines.

To have a closer look into the benefits, please read along:

1. You derive a sense of purpose when you have pets in home. Depression or anxiety can reduce when you feel responsible for taking care of the furry friends. Your motivation and purpose increases when you clean or feed your pet every day. You experience better self-esteem and improved mental health with the daily care routines.
2. Are you prone to allergies? “Hygiene Hypothesis” suggests if you are exposed to allergens and potential pathogens from a very young age, you actually develop more resistance against allergies. Houses with farm animals or dogs show reduced cases of asthma according to Medical News Today reports.
3. Walking your dog is one of the best ways to socialise and exercise daily. It is a wonderful chance for your dog to meet another dog from the neighbourhood. You can engage in quick conversations when you meet another pet owner. Pets actually create perfect socialising opportunities both outside and inside. You have a companion lying beside while watching television. You never feel left alone, when there is a four-legged animal on your lap.
4. You simply start feeling good when you pat your dog. Medical researchers suggest that simple activities like patting can lower high pressure and heart rates. Mindfulness is the key to a happy and peaceful life. You can practice mindfulness by simply watching fishes swim in an aquarium.
5. Outdoor activities like regular walk and exercises increase mindfulness. You develop a routine walking exercise with your dog. Improved fitness help reduce cardiovascular diseases and you enjoy better mental health.

So, if you are looking for positive enforcements in your life, pets can be truly amazing. However, to develop healthy mutual relation and strong bonding with your pet, it is important that you understand them very well. Even pets are likely to develop mental illness when not looked after properly. Make sure, you have the time and initiative to support and love your pet too. The stronger your bonds are, the more you both benefit from your relation.

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