Adopting a pet and taking care of it is one of the most beautiful things that someone could do in life. But what many people probably do not know is the fact that owning a pet can positively impact your health and, of course, your lifestyle. In fact, there are a lot of studies that have shown that pets can significantly contribute to improving the quality of life. So, if you really want to change your life, the best solution is to get a pet.  

For example, people who take care of an animal are more likely to get some unique health benefits than individuals who do not own a pet, because these innocent creatures can boost your emotional, mental and physical condition. Did you know that dogs can improve your immune system? Or that cats can actually lower the risk of heart disease?

Well, some studies discovered that pets can make your life easier, turning you into a better and happier person. So, read on for more information!

Having a pet can improve your mood

As a pet owner, you have probably heard over time that animals can improve your mood. Well, numerous recent studies have shown that pets can actually promote a positive mood in the people who take care of them. The interaction between individuals and animals can lead to increased levels of oxytocin. In case you did not know this before, oxytocin is also known as the ‘love hormone.’

“At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, they’re using dogs to help soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. They’re finding the guys who have a pet are able to re-enter society a little bit easier. They’re showing a decreased suicide rate, one of the biggest health threats [veterans] face. These guys who have a pet have someone they’re responsible for, someone who cares about them. And they don’t have to explain what they’ve been through,” says Katy Nelson, DVM, an associate emergency veterinarian at the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital.

You will often experience mindfulness 

People who interact with animals are really lucky because they have the opportunity to become more mindful. Mindfulness is a state of mind that keeps your attention in the present moment. In other words, being mindful means living the moment and enjoying all the things that surround you. 

Many animal and health experts say that dogs can make you experience mindfulness, even if you choose an ordinary walk or playing in the house. “You’re doing nothing when you walk, nothing but walking. But having nothing to do but walk makes it possible to recover the pure sensation of being, to rediscover the simple joy of existing, the joy that permeates the whole of childhood,” said the author Frédéric Gros. 

Dogs can get easily distracted by any noise, landscape or other animals and this is beneficial for you because it will help you to follow their example and you will learn to enjoy the simple things in life.

Pets can help you relieve stress

We have to admit that almost every person in this world is struggling with stress nowadays and the truth is that life is full of different stressors, whether we talk about work, personal life or social environment. But, if I told you that pets help you relieve stress, would it make you adopt an animal? I do not know if you would do this, but I can assure you that these amazing creatures have a calming impact on you. 

“A powerful neurochemical, oxytocin, is released when we look at our companion animal, which brings feelings of joy. It’s also accompanied by a decrease in, a hormone. One veteran couldn’t leave his home without his wife until we placed a dog with him and in less than a week he was able to go around his town,” said Rebecca A. Johnson, Ph.D., director of the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

Animals can lower blood pressure

Animals can be considered medicine for the soul because they can really improve your mental and physical health. Did you know that having a pet can lower blood pressure, especially for people who are predisposed to hypertensive and cardiovascular diseases? 

“If you have a dog around, your blood pressure is lower. A lot of it goes back to reducing stress: You might lose your job, your house, your 401(k) – but you’ll never lose the unconditional love of your pet,” said Marty Becker, DVM, veterinary consultant for Good Morning America and author of the upcoming book Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual.

Animals can relieve pain

According to animal and health specialists, pets can ease the pain, especially in the case of people who are struggling with severe and chronic pain, such as migraines, abdominal or back pain and arthritis. “Just like Valium, it reduces anxiety. The less anxiety, the less pain,” said Dr. Becker. 

Moreover, a study by Loyola University discovered that pet therapy helped people who were recovering from a surgery to have no more pain and to take fewer pills, unlike people who did not follow this type of therapy. 

Pets promote socialization

Going out for a walk with your dog gives you the best opportunity to socialize with other people and to make other friends (so, why not?!). 

“A 1999 Canadian study found that pet owners were more ‘socially engaged’ than non pet owners. Another study found that pet ownership led to an increase in social contact, more socialization within neighborhoods [such as neighbors chatting as they walk their dogs], and even a greater perception to observers that the neighborhood seems ‘friendly’,” said Christie Keith, the online and social media editor at PetConnection.com. 

Animals can prevent strokes

People who believe that only dogs can promote numerous health benefits compared to other animals are wrong! Cat owners should know that their beloved felines can improve their health conditions just like dogs. 

“If you have a cat, you’re 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack, and you’re 40 percent less likely to have a cardiovascular incident like a stroke. If you have a heart attack and you have a dog, you are [significantly more] likely to be alive a year later,” Dr. Becker says.

Pets can improve your immune system

Did you know that having a furry friend not only will prevent various allergies, but it can actually improve your immune system? But this theory is more efficient when you grow up with a pet because adopting an animal as an adult will not protect you against allergies. 

“A study found that children ages 5 to 7 from pet-owning households attend school three weeks more per year than those who don’t have pets. Kids who grow up on farms and around animals don’t have allergies. That dander on that hair, that’s natural immunotherapy,” says Dr. Becker. 

Getting a pet is essential for children’s development

There are numerous studies that have shown that children who grow up with pets have more developed emotional intelligence. 

“There are numerous studies that have shown the fact that children who grow up with pets have a more developed emotional intelligence,” said Michael Landa, CEO of natural pet food brand Nuloand founder of Los Angeles – based dog-walking service The Pet Staff.