When you have a pet, you realize what they are capable of: loving without expecting anything in return. They always greet you in the same way when you arrive home, regardless of how long you have left them alone.

Pets, whether cats or dogs, are affectionate, innocent, and very endearing animals, capable of having a major influence on people's lives. When you consider having a pet at home, as has been mentioned many times, it is important to take your availability and lifestyle into account. Because no matter how much you love and enjoy animals, certain factors can sometimes prevent you from having one at home, such as your profession.

Despite these factors, which clearly need to be taken into account, there is a certain “positive influence of pets on people's health and well-being,” according to a study by the University of Antioquia. Your pet's company can help you relax and ease the stress caused by your work or other factors.

What influence can pets have on people?

It has always been said that pets are very good for people, but it is no longer merely something people say; various studies have confirmed it.

According to the study conducted by the University of Antioquia in Colombia, the effects of pets on people are classified into four areas: therapeutic, psychological, psychosocial, and physiological.

Therapeutic

Both dogs and cats can participate in therapies with ill patients to improve their quality of life. Increasingly, research projects are including dogs to provide emotionally and physically assisted therapy to help patients overcome certain illnesses. For example, Madrid's 12 de Octubre Hospital has begun assisted therapy with dogs for alcoholic patients.

Psychosocial

Pets can help people develop certain skills that allow them to relate to others more effectively. In fact, a study conducted by Wood et al demonstrated that pet owners may become more resistant to certain illnesses.

Psychological

Pets provide a great deal of affection and companionship at home, capable of filling the house with their presence. This has a positive influence on owners, as they may be less likely to feel lonely.

People who have pets are less likely to experience psychological problems, such as symptoms of loneliness or stress.

Physiological

Dogs can influence physiological factors, such as protecting owners against cardiovascular diseases. “Dog owners engage in more physical activity compared with those who do not have dogs,” states the study by the University of Colombia. Dogs need to go outside to relieve themselves and, depending on the pet's breed and size, may even need to get a certain amount of exercise.

According to a study conducted by Lynch with cardiac patients, “mortality during the first year of recovery was four times higher among patients who did not have pets.”

The love and  companionship received from a pet is much greater than anything pets may influence in people. Nothing is more genuine than the love and companionship of an animal.

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