Have you ever thought about getting a dog? Owning a dog can be a lot of work. It can be even more complicated when they are puppies and still learning how to behave, especially with dogs with a lot of energy. But even with all the work and responsibility, having a pet can benefit your health and lifestyle.
Here are some reasons why owning pets can benefit you:
They help you exercise
Dogs need to exercise. They have a lot of energy and need to take walks. It is the owner’s job to ensure they get what they need; walking with the dog will make you exercise.
They can improve your mental health
Studies show that interacting with animals can decrease cortisol levels, a hormone that is related to stress. It can also reduce anxiety and loneliness and serve as a support.
They can teach you how to create responsibility
Especially if you have a kid, getting a pet can help you create a sense of responsibility. Owners must learn how to care for and feed the pet, teach them to behave, and learn when the pet needs professional attention.
It can help you socialize
Animals attract a lot of attention. When walking with your dog, creating more connections and starting conversations is easy, leading you to build more relationships.
Can serve as service animals
Dogs are trained and can become service animals. People with problems such as type 1 diabetes can have hypoglycemia unawareness, which is common, and dogs can help feel when blood sugar is getting too low and needs attention and medication.
They can assist with long-term dementia, Alzheimer’s and Cancer
Dogs can assist in treating mental illness and cancer. Older adults have a better sense of companionship, helping in the treatment. Meanwhile, for cancer, animals can help patients manage pain and respond better to treatments, improving their quality of life.
These are just a few reasons why owning pets can benefit the quality of life, mental illness, and development. Although it can be a lot of work, when deciding to own an animal, consider all these benefits next time!