What do you do if you feel lonely or depressed? Well, if you had a pet, you’d have an easy answer for how to address these feelings.
Fighting depression or loneliness is just one part of why having a pet is good. People should also have pets because they can bring you joy, make sure you don’t feel lonely, and they can improve your health. According to “How to Stay Healthy Around Pets and Other Animals” from the Centers for Disease Prevention (CDC) playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.
One of the most common pets is a dog, and having a dog is a great thing as a dog can relieve stress. An added benefit of a dog is that a dog can make you feel less lonely; a dog is like having company around you when you need it. According to Kaitlyn Arford of the American Kennel Club, “Scientists at Washington State University discovered that petting a dog for just 10 minutes can have a significant impact. Study participants had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.” As you can see, having a dog does more than just give you a companion, it can improve your health.
A few other reasons that you should get a pet, according to the article “10 Reasons Every Person Should Have a Pet”, include “Spending time with your pet releases oxytocin in your brain. Oxytocin, is the chemical that is responsible for us feeling happy and relaxed, and is fondly known as the “love hormone.”
This same source also notes that “Growing up with a pet in the house not only gives children a playmate but also ensures that they get to learn a lot. Children that grow up with pets not only learn more responsibility through taking care of their pets, but also learn to share, learn how to cope with not being the center of attention, and learn how to empathize with living beings.”
Another aspect of having a pet that stands out is that a pet can be a great way for someone who has trouble starting conversations with others to have something to talk about. . A pet like a dog can help you start a conversation. Many people love dogs and will often stop and ask about your dog or if they can say hi to or pet them. A dog can help its owner open up to others and have a chance to talk to people they might not normally talk to or have the courage to start a conversation with.
While a pet may not be for everyone because some people can’t afford pets, but if you can you should definitely get one because they can make you feel happy and stress free.