Pets are companions that help us feel needed and loved. They can help keep you active, lower stress and even improve your mood. They can also be an emotional support system and help you deal with depression. Studies have shown that people who own pets tend to be happier, less stressed and more social than those who don’t. They are also more likely to visit their doctor regularly and follow a healthier diet.
A dog or cat can provide structure and routine to a day by helping you get up at the same time each day for walks or play. Most pets require regular feeding and watering schedules as well, which keeps them healthy and calm. Stroking, petting and playing with a loving animal has been proven to be very therapeutic. It can rapidly soothe anxiety and stress, and a simple gesture of love from an animal can lift even the most depressed person’s spirits.
Having a pet can teach children responsibility, compassion and empathy for others. Children who are emotionally attached to their pets often develop a stronger sense of self-esteem and have a better ability to build relationships with other kids, according to research. Even a small caged pet such as a hamster, gerbil or guinea pig can help children learn to nurture a living creature and gain a sense of responsibility for it.
Most pet owners agree that having a dog or cat helps their mental health, and many report that having a dog or cat has helped them deal with depression. In addition, having a pet can help to increase social interaction and provide a reason for getting out of the house for walking, grooming or playing with the pet. A pet can also encourage people who live alone to take care of themselves by making them feel more responsible for someone else.
It is important to remember that a pet requires time, money and attention so having a pet should be something you want for the long-term. Pets can be great comforters, but they are not a cure-all for mental illness. If you are struggling with mental illness, you should consult your doctor before adopting a pet.
Millions of animals are bred for the purpose of becoming someone’s pet. Some are violently abducted from their families in nature and subjected to grueling transport around the world, where they may be sold to unscrupulous dealers. Others are bred in massive warehouses where they do not have adequate food, water or space. In addition, the vast majority of people who buy these pets do not have the expertise or capacity to meet their specialized needs, and they end up languishing in a state of unrelenting suffering until they are euthanized. To avoid this, please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter. This will not only give you a wonderful companion, but it will save the life of an animal who would otherwise be euthanized or abandoned.