Some of the benefits of having a pet are obvious- they provide companionship, protection (dogs are pretty obvious candidates here but cats can go after bugs and catch mice!), and they can even provide good opportunities for social networking and help increase your circle of friends.
But did you know there are other benefits to having a pet that go beyond that?
In celebration of National Rescue a Dog Day - (May 20th) here's why you should have a furry friend in your house:
- Achoo! Researchers have found that having a pet in the house can help reduce your child's risk of developing pet-related allergies by as much as 33%! In fact, exposing a child to pets very early on can help them build a more resilient immune system overall.
- Shy? Pets can be such great ice breakers. They provide an instant connection between people and can ultimately help improve their social skills. Training classes, dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and even pet-themed social media sites are great places to go to connect with other pet-owners and maybe make new friends!
- I heart you! Recent research has found that having a pet in the house can actually lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. Also, pets have been found to improve recovery rates for people who have already had a heart attack. Your dog or cat can actually help improve your heart health!
- Walk with me! You might have guessed this one, but people who regularly walk their dogs are less likely to be obese than people who don't walk their dogs or people that don't own dogs.
- Purpose Driven Life! We all know that pets are wonderful companions, but did you know they can also help reduce depression because they give us a sense of purpose? There is a reason why animals are used in nursing homes and hospitals- they are vital in helping to boost the mood of the sick and elderly.
- Responsibility! Owning a pet equals responsibility and what better way to teach your kids that lesson?
