Having a furry cute pet by your side is a blessing! You tend to naturally and emotionally connect with it. Being a pet parent you would be aware that having a pet has significant human health benefits. Of course, depending on the pet type you own.
A pet dog is known for its loyalty, playfulness, protectiveness, living-in-the-moment attitude and unconditional love. Adopting and parenting is one of life’s most beautiful experiences. Here are some health benefits of petting a canine at home.
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced cholesterol
- Lesser chance of heart attack
- More active and fitter due to pet-related outdoor activities
- Better social life
- Stress Reduction and Increased Happiness
- Lesser medical help during old age
- Decrease of general illnesses
- More Empathetic
If you are a cat person and parent a feline, you will be happy to know that by simply being around it, you can experience the following human health benefits:
- Lower the risk of heart disease
- The purring sound can heal bones, tendons and muscles
- Get to sleep better
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Lower chance of allergy
- Lowers triglycerides and cholesterol levels
The main reason for reduction of stress and anxiety is the release of oxytocin in humans. This hormone induces the feeling of ‘pleasure’ and makes the pet parent instantly happy.
A pet can be a great companion, be it a pet dog or pet cat. They have their own ways of showing love and affection. Interpreting them can appear complex in the beginning but soon it’s a child’s play. A simple glimpse of his actions will help you understand him.
If you are lazy, plan to be socially active but fail to act on it, bring an active pet. Trust me you will be active too. With an emotional eye expression, your pet will impel you to go outdoors. Some of the outdoor activities that you can pull off together are going on a picnic, visiting a pet-friendly beach and playing in the park.
You can even start a morning or evening walk routine with the pet. Similarly, you can regularise a good sleep schedule by matching your schedule with that of your pet. These interesting activities will bring you two closer and help you lead a healthier lifestyle. You can even take your pet to parties.
Your friends will love them! In a party place, don’t let your pet eat potentially toxic food. This may harm your furry friend. Astonishing as it may sound, keeping a pet at home with a human baby is a great idea. Babies that grow up in such families are less likely to suffer from allergies and asthma. The immune system of the babies grows stronger.
As an animal lover, you might be inclined to bring home a wild animal like a raccoon or prairie dog. Not a good step! Though they may appear sweet and cuddly, wild animals can bring with them a wide range of illnesses. Older people and pregnant women are at a yet higher risk.
Trained by the wild, they may harm your kids. Instead choose the right pet for you and your family. Ask the following questions to yourself: What is the lifespan of this animal? What does this animal eat? How large can it grow? What type of exercise does it need for a healthy lifestyle etc.
For a healthier and happier lifestyle with pets, you should keep the pets fit and fine too. As a pet parent, you must have enough money to take care of your furbud. Some excellent ways to keep the pets healthy are:
- Feed your pet a balanced nutritious diet
- Vaccinate your pet against potentially deadly diseases
- Brush your pet’s teeth on a daily or weekly basis
- Visit the vet regularly to prevent and cure diseases
- Pet proof your home to avoid potential dangers
- Prepare a pet-focused first aid kit
Money is one of the biggest factors. Depending on the pet breed, you can think of an estimate. As per Business Today article, on an average, Rs. 4000 is spent per month on pets. Most of it goes on food and treats. Fortunately, younger pet parents are ready to shell out more money than their older counterparts.
This is fabulous for the pet healthcare sector. Pet-focused products, stores and services are at a greater demand than ever before. This has grabbed the attention of investors who are ready to chip in money for getting better returns. Pet-related brands are getting a funding of crores and lakhs for product enhancements and business expansions. This is a wonderful start.
If you are not a pet parent yet, adopt! 6,00,000 pets are adopted annually in India and the numbers are increasing year by year. There are countless animals out in the streets deserving your love and warmth. Make ‘rescued’ your favourite breed.
Author Bio: Esha Sinha is a seasoned writer who has over the years contributed quality content on various high-profile websites. She has particularly excelled in niches like Fashion, Business, Entrepreneurship, Education, Pet Healthcare, etc. Her professionalism, four years’ experience, and expertise make her one of the most sought-after content writers in the field.