Pets bring many benefits to people, but also many responsibilities. Having a pet means adding another member to the family, from the expenses of feeding, caring for, and protecting them, to the time you need to dedicate to them.
In addition to all the responsibilities you take on, having a pet involves a series of conditions for them to thrive and feel comfortable at home. As we have mentioned before, it is important for your pet to have adequate space, for the owners' lifestyle to adapt to that of the pet, for there to be time availability to dedicate to them… You even have to consider the economic factor due to the expenses pets require.
María Martínez, an ethologist veterinarian at Clínica Malasaña in Madrid, tells us the 10 reasons why it is good to have a pet:
1. Reduces stress
The statement that pets, both dogs and cats, reduce stress is not just hearsay; it has been proven. Studies show that this happens. Simply touching a pet and being in contact with them allows people to stimulate their relaxation and decrease the stress hormone, cortisol.
2. Increases your level of happiness
The happiness a pet brings is linked not only to what they offer you but also to the experiences you share with them. It increases the happiness hormone known as oxytocin.
3. Reduces the possibility of getting sick
Pets have greater contact with the environment, especially dogs, due to walks and the areas they sniff. Ultimately, they are able to pick up more microbes, which makes people who have pets less prone to getting sick because they become stronger and more resistant. Of course, there are always exceptions, and it doesn't mean that owners will never get sick.
4. Improves physical fitness
A pet allows you to be more active; it forces you to take them for walks, especially in the case of dogs, which improves your health.
5. Improves heart health
Heart health is related to your physical fitness. A pet keeps you more active, going for walks, playing with them, exercising... Ultimately, exercise is important for health.
6. Relieves loneliness
Both dogs and cats are the best companion animals par excellence. They are with you at all times, making you feel loved and protected. They can help you overcome difficult times; they are unconditional support. Without asking for anything in return, they will be by your side at all times.
7. Strengthens your ability to socialize
They always say that dogs help you socialize and meet more people during walks. But it also happens with cats, as pets can be a common talking point with other people. They help you meet, open up, and relate to people who, at first glance, seemed to be polar opposites.
8. Helps assume responsibilities
When children grow up with dogs around them, they learn to assume the degree of responsibility that having a pet requires. They also help to increase empathy, in both children and adults. Ultimately, people perceive themselves as more empathetic and respectful of the environment and other people.
9. Increases people's creativity
Having a pet helps you improve your self-improvement. The desire to improve and get involved with the day, which in this case does not receive any monetary benefit. Everyone works hard at their job and at the end of the month you receive a salary, but in the case of pets, that doesn't happen; you do it out of love and affection unconsciously. So, this helps you apply it to your daily life and try to improve yourself every morning.
10. Increases positivity
Positivity is linked to good humor and happiness. Pets transmit a sense of well-being that helps you see things differently.
Surely there are many more benefits and reasons to have a pet, but it's true that these 10 best encompass and demonstrate everything an animal can bring to your life.
If you have a pet, tell us, what other benefits does your dog or cat bring to your home?
María Martínez, registered veterinary specialist in behavioral medicine in Madrid
Clínica Veterinaria Malasaña
Madrid 28004